Newman’s Own big out over harass

The man who took over actor Paul Newman’s charitable foundation was fired Tuesday amid allegations of harassment, according to reports.

Bob Forrester, the handpicked successor of the late Hollywood icon, was sacked from the Newman’s Own Foundation after an investigation into complaints from several women at the Connecticut-based company, according to spokeswoman Jan Schaefer.

“An Independent Special Committee of the Board of Directors of Newman’s Own Foundation removed President and CEO Bob Forrester from his role with the Foundation,” Schaefer said in a statement.

“The special committee promptly took action after an independent investigation into allegations brought forward by employees regarding their experiences working at the foundation. They are firm in the commitment to uphold the values and culture that Paul Newman established when he founded Newman’s Own and Newman’s Own Foundation, and there is no tolerance for unacceptable behavior.”

Forrester (inset) could not immediately be reached for comment.

The close friend of Newman took over when the “Cool Hand Luke” star died in 2008. He was making $273,000 a year running the foundation. Forrester had worked with the foundation for more than 30 years.

Forrester was one of the first people Newman brought on when he launched the foundation. Last year the charity gave away more than $32 million from Newman’s Own food business profits.

The charity has tapped Jennifer Smith Turner, a former Girls Scouts of Connecticut executive, to serve as president and CEO on an interim basis, Schaefer said

Forrester’s removal was precipitated by a harassment complaint from one woman, according to reports. The company said an investigation revealed additional complaints about his behavior.