Andrew Levander comes after the network after it announces its decision to fire the disgraced media mogul and deny his severance payout following an investigation.
- December 18, 2018
AceShowbiz - An attorney of Les Moonves has come to his defense after CBS announced its decision to fire the disgraced media mogul and deny his severance payout. The network disclosed the news through a statement released on Monday, December 17, after concluding an investigation into extensive charges of sexual misconduct against Moonves.
Sharing the result of the investigation, the network bosses determined that "there are grounds to terminate for cause, including his willful and material misfeasance, violation of Company policies and breach of his employment contract, as well as his willful failure to cooperate fully with the Company's investigation." The board also noted that the former CEO would not "receive any severance payment from the company."
In the statement, it's also said that the investigators had concluded that "harassment and retaliation are not pervasive at CBS," though they learned of "past incidents of improper and unprofessional conduct." Thus, bosses at the network stated that they had been working to "take robust steps to improve the working environment for all employees" and to prevent harassment from happening again.
In response to the statement, Moonves' attorney Andrew Levander called the network's decision "foreordained" and "without merit." He elaborated, "Consistent with the pattern of leaks that have permeated this 'process,' the press was informed of these baseless conclusions before Mr. Moonves, further damaging his name, reputation, career and legacy. Mr. Moonves vehemently denies any non-consensual sexual relations, and cooperated extensively and fully with investigators."
Moonves resigned as CEO in September following multiple sexual misconduct claims made against him by Ronan Farrow. At the time, he also denied the allegations. "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, I wish nothing but the best for the organization, the newly comprised board of directors and all of its employees."
