Second NPR bigwig leaves company after sexual harassment allegations

Sexual harassment allegations have left a second NPR newsman without a job.

NPR chief news editor David Sweeney left the company following allegations leveled by three female journalists, NPR reported.

Sweeney recently found himself on leave after NPR editor Lauren Hodges said he acted inappropriately by giving her unwanted attention and presents. Allegations were also raised by two former journalists who spoke on the condition of anonymity, according to NPR. A former producer claimed Sweeney unexpectedly kissed her in 2002. Another journalist alleged that Sweeney tried to kiss her in 2007.

Complaints against Sweeney came after Michael Oreskes, NPR's senior vice president of news and editorial director, resigned Nov. 1 over alleged sexual misconduct. Two women said Oreskes allegedly made unwanted sexual advances while talking to them about their careers in the 1990s. The alleged behavior happened while he was Washington bureau chief for the New York Times.

NPR told staff about Sweeney's departure via an email.

"This is a difficult time for our newsroom, and I'm committed to supporting all of you as we move forward," Chris Turpin, acting senior vice president of news for NPR, wrote.

"I know you appreciate that there are some questions I cannot answer in keeping with our practice to not comment on personnel issues, but I will do my best to address those I can," Turpin added.

Is anybody else at NPR in trouble?

"However, according to a knowledgeable source, LaMay is the subject of a complaint filed with NPR alleging past inappropriate behavior," NPR's website stated. "Few additional details are currently known."

LaMay has denied any wrongdoing.

"I finished my second term and chose to not run again," LaMay said in a statement. "I did not make this decision based on a third party story about my personal life over a decade ago. I welcome any Board Committee review."