USA Today retracted an alert on Monday that stated that CBS has suspended longtime chief Les Moonves.
“A previous alert incorrectly stated that the CBS board suspended CEO Les Moonves. That decision has not yet been made,” said the company in a brief tweet, which also included an article to their latest reporting on the embattled CBS executive.
Several journalists also reported that a tweet claiming the same was also deleted. A rep for USA Today did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s inquiry about the snafu.
A previous alert incorrectly stated that the CBS board suspended CEO Les Moonves. That decision has not yet been made. https://t.co/WhIB9Ej6lP
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) July 30, 2018
On Friday, Ronan Farrow published a long anticipated piece for the New Yorker detailing accusations from six women who said Moonves engaged in various forms of sexual misconduct and assault over a period spanning decades.
The piece and it’s meticulously detailed accusations immediately raised questions about whether Moonves could survive. CBS’ stock price plunged Friday and again on Monday in advance of a board meeting on Monday that could determine his fate.
In a statement to Farrow, Moonves conceded to making advances but said he had always respected personal boundaries.
“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,” he said.
In a statement Friday, The Independent Directors of CBS said the issue would be investigated.
“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,” they said.
“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.”