CBS boss quits in sex row

CBS chief Les Moonves resigned yesterday, hours after six more women accused him of sexual misconduct.

The resignation was effective immediately, CBS said in a statement posted on its website Sunday night. It is the parent company of Australia’s Network Ten.

The New Yorker magazine reported the latest allegations included Mr Moonves forcing women to perform oral sex and retaliating when advances were turned away.

He acknowledged relations with three of the women but said they were consensual, adding he had never used his position to hurt the careers of women.

The network did not address the allegations directly, but said Mr Moonves would donate $20 million to one or more organisations that supported the #MeToo movement and equality for women in the workplace.

“The donation, which will be made immediately, has been deducted from any severance benefits that may be due Moonves,” the statement said.

Mr Moonves denied the allegations in a statement.

“Untrue allegations from decades ago are now being made against me that are not consistent with who I am,” he said.

“I am deeply saddened to be leaving the company.”

He said it had been “an incredible privilege” to have worked for CBS.

CBS said chief operating officer Joseph Ianniello would take over Mr Moonves’s duties until its board of directors could find a permanent replacement.

For the time being Mr Moonves’s role as chairman will remain vacant.