Charlie Rose is officially out at CBS News. His contract has been terminated, effective immediately.
The move comes following news of sexual harassment allegations made by eight women against him, allegations detailed in an in-depth Washington Post story published yesterday.
After the Post published its story, CBS said in a statement yesterday evening, “Charlie Rose is suspended immediately while we look into this matter. These allegations are extremely disturbing and we take them seriously.” PBS has also suspended Rose from his nightly Charlie Rose Show which also airs on Bloomberg.
His former colleagues, CBS This Morning co-hosts Gayle King and Norah O’Donnell addressed the shocking news on this morning’s broadcast.
“This is a moment that demands a frank and honest assessment about where we stand and more generally the safety of women. Let me be very clear. There is no excuse for this alleged behavior,” said O’Donnell.
“I am not okay. After reading that article in the Post, it was deeply disturbing, troubling and painful for me to read,” said King.
Below is the memo from CBS News president David Rhodes that went out to staffers at 12:22 p.m. ET:
Colleagues,
A short time ago we terminated Charlie Rose’s employment with CBS News, effective immediately. This followed the revelation yesterday of extremely disturbing and intolerable behavior said to have revolved around his PBS program.
Despite Charlie’s important journalistic contribution to our news division, there is absolutely nothing more important, in this or any organization, than ensuring a safe, professional workplace—a supportive environment where people feel they can do their best work. We need to be such a place.
I’ve often heard that things used to be different. And no one may be able to correct the past. But what may once have been accepted should not ever have been acceptable.
CBS News has reported on extraordinary revelations at other media companies this year and last. Our credibility in that reporting requires credibility managing basic standards of behavior. That is why we have taken these actions.
Let’s please remember our obligations to each other as colleagues. We will have human resources support today and every day, and we are organizing more personal and direct training which you will hear about from senior management shortly.
I’m deeply disappointed and angry that people were victimized—and that even people not connected with these events could see their hard work undermined. If all of us commit to the best behavior and the best work – that is what we can be known for.