Ex-CBS CEO Leslie Moonves Won't Receive Any Severance Payment

By Joe Flint 

CBS Corp. said it won't pay former chairman and chief executive Leslie Moonves any of his $120 million severance package after reviewing the findings of a probe into allegations he sexually harassed and assaulted multiple women during his career.

In a statement from the CBS board of directors, the investigation concluded that there were grounds to terminate Mr. Moonves for cause. Mr. Moonves violated company policies, breached his employment contract and intentionally failed to cooperate fully with the investigation, the board said.

Mr. Moonves was forced to resign in September after being accused of sexually assaulting several women and moving to harm the careers of those who rebuffed him.

The prospect of Mr. Moonves receiving a nine-figure exit package despite the seriousness of the allegations drew scrutiny from activist groups supporting the "#MeToo" movement against sexual misconduct in the workplace.

A spokesman for Mr. Moonves didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. Mr. Moonves has said he regretted behavior that made women uncomfortable but denied having nonconsensual relations. He also denied harming the careers of any women who rejected his advances.

Write to Joe Flint at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

December 17, 2018 17:57 ET (22:57 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2018 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.