MSNBC Suspends Analyst Mark Halperin After Multiple Sexual Harassment Claims

Author of “Game Change” announced Wednesday he would take “step back” from work following allegations by five women

MSNBC contributor Mark Halperin has been suspended from the network after multiple allegations of sexual harassment emerged in a CNN report on Wednesday.

“We find the story and the allegations very troubling,” an MSNBC spokesperson told TheWrap. “Mark Halperin is leaving his role as a contributor until the questions around his past conduct are fully understood.”

The news was first reported by CNN, which published five accounts of five unnamed women who claimed that Halperin made inappropriate sexual advances while he worked at ABC News more than a decade ago.

In a previous statement to CNN, Halperin acknowledged the accusations and said he would be taking a “step back from my day-to-day work.” The MSNBC statement this morning, however, suggests the consequences would be more severe.

“During this period, I did pursue relationships with women that I worked with, including some junior to me. I now understand from these accounts that my behavior was inappropriate and caused others pain,” Halperin told CNN. “For that, I am deeply sorry and I apologize. Under the circumstances, I’m going to take a step back from my day-to-day work while I properly deal with this situation.”

A source familiar with the situation told TheWrap that Halperin’s days on “Morning Joe,” — his most visible platform — were also likely done.

According to CNN, the accusations against Halperin include unwanted kissing, propositions for sex, pressing his genitals against three different women’s bodies while clothed and grabbing one woman’s breasts.

CNN reported that Halperin specifically denies the latter two accusations.

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