USC School of Cinematic Arts suspends CBS' Les Moonves from board amid sexual misconduct allegations

The board of the USC School of Cinematic Arts has suspended CBS president Les Moonves amid allegations of sexual misconduct, The Wrap reported.

What's the background?

Journalist Ronan Farrow reported for The New Yorker on Friday that several women had come forward and accused Moonves of sexual misconduct.

Moonves, 68, became the president and CEO of CBS Corporation in 2006, but joined company's leadership in 1995.

The New Yorker piece detailed allegations that Moonves was guilty of unwanted kissing and touching no less than six women, and had reportedly used tactics of intimidation and harassment to get what he wanted.

In a statement, CBS said:

All allegations of personal misconduct are to be taken seriously. The Independent Directors of CBS have committed to investigating claims that violate the Company’s clear policies in that regard. Upon the conclusion of that investigation, which involves recently reported allegations that go back several decades, the Board will promptly review the findings and take appropriate action. The timing of this report comes in the midst of the Company’s very public legal dispute. While that litigation process continues, the CBS management team has the full support of the independent board members. Along with that team, we will continue to focus on creating value for our shareowners.

Moonves responded to the allegations, saying:

Throughout my time at CBS, we have promoted a culture of respect and opportunity for all employees, and have consistently found success elevating women to top executive positions across our company. I recognize that there were times decades ago when I may have made some women uncomfortable by making advances. Those were mistakes, and I regret them immensely. But I always understood and respected—and abided by the principle—that "no" means "no," and I have never misused my position to harm or hinder anyone’s career. This is a time when we all are appropriately focused on how we help improve our society, and we at CBS are committed to being part of the solution.

Moonves remains on the job at CBS.

What's happening at USC?

According to a Wednesday report by The Wrap, USC's School of Cinematic Arts has suspended Moonves from its Board of Councilors.

The school said in a statement: "The USC School of Cinematic Arts has suspended Lee Moonves from its Board of Councilors. The School takes the recent allegations very seriously and will discuss further action when the Board convenes in October."

Also on Wednesday, the university's Julie Chen/Leslie Moonves and CBS Media Center announced that it would suspend the use of Chen's and Moonves' names until CBS wrapped up its investigation of the accusations leveled against Moonves.

Emily Cavalcanti, associate dean for communication and marketing at USC's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, told The Wrap, "The USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism’s media center was named in 2015 following a pledged gift from CBS, Julie Chen, one of the school’s most distinguished alumni, and her husband, Leslie Moonves.

"In recognition of the sensitivities surrounding recent allegations against Mr. Moonves, he and Ms. Chen have requested that USC Annenberg temporarily suspend use of the media center’s name until the investigation concludes," Cavalcanti added.