Yet another TV newser is losing his job after an investigation into accusations of misconduct. This time, it’s Morgan Stanley managing director, former Democratic congressman, and MSNBC contributor Harold Ford Jr.
HuffPost broke news that Morgan Stanley cut ties with Ford Jr. after the company conducted an investigation into allegations of misconduct.
According to the report, at least one woman, not a Morgan Stanley employee but someone who interacted with Ford in a professional capacity, was interviewed by the company’s HR department as part of the investigation. She said that Ford Jr. harassed her one evening in New York several years ago.
In two interviews with HuffPost, the woman alleged that Ford engaged in harassment, intimidation, and forcibly grabbed her one evening in Manhattan, leading her to seek aid from a building security guard. The incident took place several years ago when Ford and the woman were supposed to be meeting for professional reasons. Ford continued to contact her after the encounter until she wrote an email asking him to cease contact.
An MSNBC spokesperson tells TVNewser: “We are looking into the report about Harold Ford Jr. During that time he won’t be a guest on MSNBC.”
Like Mark Halperin, who was fired in October, Ford Jr. is best known for his appearances on Morning Joe. His most recent appearance on the program was Tuesday. Ford Jr. appeared on Nicolle Wallace‘s 4 p.m. program, Deadline: White House later that day.
Ford from his personal Twitter account:
In regards to news today, This simply did not happen. I have never forcibly grabbed any woman or man in my life.
— Harold Ford, Jr. (@HFord2) December 7, 2017
And his longer statement on the allegations obtained and posted by CNN’s Chris Cillizza, not someone at MSNBC:
Harold Ford Jr statement on allegations of wrongdoing pic.twitter.com/aH4J9CeH15
— Chris Cillizza (@CillizzaCNN) December 7, 2017
*Update: Broadcasting & Cable is now reporting Ford Jr. is out as honorary chairman of Broadband for America, the internet service provider group advocating for rolling back net neutrality regulations. The organization said that Ford Jr. offered his resignation, and BFA accepted.