The New York Times said Wednesday that it would suspend and reassign Glenn Thrush, one of its most prominent political reporters, rather than fire him after he was accused of inappropriate sexual behavior.
Last month, the website Vox published an article detailing female journalists who alleged they had encounters with Thrush, 50, ranging “from unwanted groping and kissing to wet kisses out of nowhere to hazy sexual encounters that played out under the influence of alcohol.”
“Each woman described feeling differently about these experiences: scared, violated, ashamed, weirded out,” the report said.
Laura McGann, who wrote the Vox article, also alleged Thrush demonstrated inappropriate behavior toward her.
The Times said it began an investigation into Thrush’s conduct when it became aware of the allegations.
In a statement, New York Times executive editor Dean Baquet said Thrush had “behaved in ways that we do not condone.”
“While we believe that Glenn has acted offensively, we have decided that he does not deserve to be fired,” Baquet said.
Baquet said Thrush underwent counseling and substance abuse rehabilitation and he would receive additional training “to improve his workplace conduct.”
“We understand that our colleagues and the public at large are grappling with what constitutes sexually offensive behavior in the workplace and what consequences are appropriate,” Baquet added. “Each case has to be evaluated based on individual circumstances. We believe this is an appropriate response to Glenn’s situation.”
The paper said Thrush has been suspended without pay since the Vox article was published. That suspension will remain in place until late January. Upon his return to work, Thrush will be removed from the team covering the White House. The Times did not say what subject Thrush will cover at that time.
