UPDATE: September 12, 2018
Time’s Up, the organization founded in early 2018, urged CBS to change current practices and donate the entirety of ex-CEO Leslie Moonves’ severance package to “organizations that address sexual harassment and workplace safety.”
Time’s Up posted a letter on Twitter stating their demands. The letter was thorough and expressive and called to CBS to task. It read:
The letter also stated: “That is $120 million dollars that will either go to Mr. Moonves or back into the coffers of the company that allowed the culture created by Mr. Moonves to continue. Or that $120 million can create change by going to organizations and there are many impactful organizations that can help women of all kinds. The choice is yours. But the answer is obvious. We ask that you not dishonor the bravery of those who have come forward by spending that money unwisely.”
It has not been confirmed whether or not CBS has donated the $20 million they promised to the MeToo Organization.
CBS Network made an announcement on Sunday that chairman and CEO Leslie Moonves is departing the company, effective immediately.
Note the use of “Departing” and not fired. Moonves’ exit comes hours after The New Yorker published accounts from six women with allegations of sexual assault or misconduct, followed by allegations by six other women in July.
A severance package for Moonves will be withheld while the network waits for the results of an ongoing investigation into the allegations against him. The former CEO was eligible for roughly $180 million if fired without cause, according to an employment contract he signed in May 2017. Reports have indicated a potential payout in the range of $100 million.
A press release from CEO and Moonves stated: “Moonves and CBS will donate $20 million to one or more organizations that support 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 to Moonves following the Board’s ongoing independent investigation led by Covington & Burling and Debevoise & Plimpton. Moonves will not receive any severance benefits at this time (other than certain fully accrued and vested compensation and benefits); any payments to be made in the future will depend upon the results of the independent investigation and subsequent Board evaluation.”
As with most of the perpetrators who’ve been exposed by the #MeToo movement, Moonves, who is white, hasn’t really had to deal with the repercussions of his alleged actions. Although he admitted to being guilty of the allegations, he played the “ignorance of being a man in power card.” Yes, he resigned “immediately,” but he may still very well come out on the winning end of this situation because he will still be paid.
Rachel Bloom, the star of “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” on the CBS co-owned CW, on Sunday, tweeted her thoughts on a potential settlement to Moonves.
Ronan Farrow tweeted about some of Moonves’ egregious violations and CBS’ inaction as well stating:
Ironically, CBS Board of Directors, which is primarily white and male with only 3 women out of 15 people, thought it was a good idea to maintain his position even after members knew about his predatory behavior. The directors decided that Moonves would continue to lead its 100 percent male executive team as an investigation takes place.
Simply allowing Moonves to step down is NOT enough. Why are the corporations who support these sharks not being held accountable also He stepped down and it’s business as usual for the network. The entire BOD should be fired and diversified. But as long as white male run boards exist, this will always be the case.
