CBS News, PBS fire Charlie Rose after sexual misconduct allegations

CBS News and PBS fired Charlie Rose on Tuesday after eight women accused the veteran journalist of sexual misconduct.

“Despite Charlie’s important journalist 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,” said CBS News President David Rhodes in a memo.

“We need to be such a place,” he added. “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.”

PBS fired Rose not long after CBS News announced its decision to terminate the newsman.

“In light of yesterday’s revelations, PBS has terminated its relationship with Charlie Rose and cancelled distribution of his programs. PBS expects all the producers we work with to provide a workplace where people feel safe and are treated with dignity and respect,” PBS said in a statement.

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The firings come after eight women accused Rose of sexual misconduct in a report published Monday by The Washington Post.

Rose, who co-hosted “CBS This Morning,” was accused of making unwanted sexual advances ranging from making lewd suggestions during phone calls to walking naked in front of female employees to groping their breasts or genital areas, according to the report. 

The accusations, which centered around behavior at Rose’s PBS program, “Charlie Rose,” date from the late 1990s to as recently as 2011.

Rose acknowledged Monday in a statement that he had “behaved insensitively” at times, but said that some of the allegations were not accurate.

“It is essential that these women know I hear them and that I deeply apologize for my inappropriate behavior. I am greatly embarrassed. I have behaved insensitively at times, and I accept responsibility for that, though I do not believe that all of these allegations are accurate. I always felt that I was pursuing shared feelings, even though I now realize I was mistaken,” Rose said in a statement to the Post.

Rose’s CBS co-hosts addressed the controversy on-air Tuesday morning.

“This is a moment that demands a frank and honest assessment about where we stand, and more generally, the safety of women,” “CBS This Morning” co-host Norah O’Donnell said.

“Let me be very clear: There is no excuse for this alleged behavior. It is systematic and pervasive.”

PBS announced Monday it would suspend distribution of Rose’s program while it looked into the allegations against the 75-year-old host.

“PBS was shocked to learn today of these deeply disturbing allegations. We are immediately suspending distribution of ‘Charlie Rose,'” a PBS spokesman said in a statement Monday.

“‘Charlie Rose’ is produced by Charlie Rose, Inc., an independent television production company. PBS does not fund this nightly program or supervise its production, but we expect our producers to provide a workplace where people feel safe and are treated with dignity and respect,” the spokesman added.

–Joe Concha contributed to this report, which was updated at 2:03 p.m.