Les Moonves to remain CEO at CBS as network investigates sexual misconduct claims

CBS said Monday it would appoint an independent investigator to look into sexual misconduct allegations against network CEO Les Moonves, but added it had decided to take no further action at a board meeting.

CBS said its Board of Directors was “in the process of selecting outside counsel to conduct an independent investigation” into allegations against Moonves detailed in a New Yorker article last week.

However, it added “no other action was taken on this matter at today’s board meeting.” 

{mosads} Additionally, the board postponed its annual shareholders meeting, which was scheduled for Aug. 10. It did not immediately announce a new date.

The New Yorker’s Ronan Farrow profiled six women who accused Moonves of sexual harassment, with four describing forced touching or kissing.

Another 30 current and former CBS employees described to The New Yorker a culture of gender discrimination at the network, with men being promoted over women despite allegations of misconduct.

The New Yorker reported Moonves “denies any characterization of ‘sexual assault,’ intimidation, or retaliatory action.” Moonves did acknowledge trying to kiss actress and writer Illeana Douglas, according to the statement provided to The New Yorker.

Moonves is the latest high-profile individual to be accused of sexual misconduct since the start of the “Me Too” movement last year. Harvey Weinstein, Matt Lauer, Charlie Rose and Louis C.K. are among the prominent media and entertainment figures to be accused of harassment.