HBO drops Mark Halperin project after sexual harassment allegations

HBO has dropped its upcoming movie deal with Mark Halperin following allegations of sexual harassment.

“HBO is no longer proceeding with the project tied to the untitled book co-authored by Mark Halperin and John Heilemann on the 2016 Presidential election,” the network said in a statement, according to CNN. “HBO has no tolerance for sexual harassment within the company or its productions.”

HBO drops plans for adapting Halperin book based on 2016 election pic.twitter.com/ecJiRAhLHq

— Oliver Darcy (@oliverdarcy) October 26, 2017

{mosads}Halperin, an NBC senior political analyst and frequent guest on “Morning Joe,” said Thursday that he would “step back” from his role after five women accused him of sexually harassing them while at ABC News.

“I now understand from these accounts that my behavior was inappropriate and caused others pain,” Halperin said in an apology statement to CNN.

NBC said in a statement that it finds the CNN report and allegations “very troubling.”

“Mark Halperin is leaving his role as a contributor until the questions around his past conduct are fully understood.”

The allegations include sexual overtures to lower-ranking employees, kissing without consent and grinding up against three women while pressing an erection against them.

Halperin’s bestselling book about the 2008 election, “Game Change,” was adapted by HBO into a film starring Julianne Moore and Ed Harris.