CBS News Suspends Charlie Rose

This is a mess. We’re seeing new allegations every single day. I’m growing tired of it, and I’m sure you are too.

Last night, the Washington Post published a “bombshell” on Charlie Rose. Eight women stepped forward and accused him of sexual misconduct. The allegations include “lewd phone calls, walking around naked in their presence, or groping their breasts, buttocks or genital areas.”

Rose released a statement, admitting to some of the accusations. He said he’s “greatly embarrassed.” However, he thought he was “pursuing shared feelings.”

My statement in full. pic.twitter.com/3kvFrqF2dT

— Charlie Rose (@charlierose) November 20, 2017

“In my 45 years in journalism, I have prided myself on being an advocate for the careers of the women with whom I have worked,” Rose said in a statement.

“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,” he added.

The apology isn’t good enough. CBS News suspended him. The network said he’s “suspended immediately while we look into this matter. These allegations are extremely disturbing and we take them very seriously.”

One of CBS News’ reporters got in contact with one of Rose’s accusers, and she confirmed the details of the Washington Post report, although she didn’t want to appear on camera.

The Washington Post published claims from eight women who all worked or wanted to work for his PBS program. They describe Rose making unwanted sexual advances in the 1990s through 2011.

We’ve been able to reach one of the accusers. She didn’t want to go on camera but confirmed the reporting is accurate, reports CBS News correspondent Bianna Golodryga. Additional women have since spoken out to Business Insider and the New York Times. Some say he groped them or exposed himself to them, and many paint a picture of a respected figure abusing his position.

I should note. Since the original article was published, WaPo says “more than a dozen” women have stepped forward and want to tell their stories too.

The Washington Post reporter told us more than a dozen other women have reached out, wanting to speak or share stories since the article appeared Monday.

Charlie Rose is done.