NPR news chief resigns after sexual harassment allegations

NPR news chief Michael Oreskes announced his resignation on Wednesday amid sexual harassment allegations dating back nearly two decades.

“My behavior was wrong and inexcusable, and I accept full responsibility,” Orkeses, 63, said in a statement.

The former New York Times Washington bureau chief said he informed NPR CEO Jarl Mohn on Wednesday morning of his intention to resign.

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Oreskes is stepping down just one day after a Washington Post report featured two anonymous sources stating Oreskes had “unexpectedly kissed them on the lips and stuck his tongue in their mouths” on separate occasions in the late 1990s while the women were asking him for career advice.

Oreskes is the latest figure from the media and entertainment worlds to be accused of sexual harassment.

NBC News fired senior political analyst Mark Halperin on Monday following allegations against him made by several woman while he was with ABC in the 1990s.

Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein was fired from his own company after numerous accusations of sexual harassment and assault.

Former Fox News host Bill O’Reilly was ousted from the network in April amid sexual harassment allegations. Another Fox News host, Eric Bolling, was let go in September due to sexual harassment claims as well.

Also on Monday, New Republic president and publisher Hamilton Fish was placed on a leave of absence following allegations of misconduct against him.

Last week, The Atlantic contributing editor Leon Wieseltier was fired after multiple women reported they had been sexually harassed by him.

Oreskes joined NPR in April 2015 as its senior vice president of news and editorial director.

Mohn appointed Chris Turpin as interim newsroom chief.