Les Moonves lost his job after it was discovered he tried to stop a woman from sharing possible allegations of sexual misconduct by giving her a role on a CBS series, reports The New York Times.
The story suggests that Moonves and Marv Dauer, an agent attempting to reclaim his former glory, had sought to keep quiet a woman Moonves feared could cause his downfall in the #MeToo era: an actress named Bobbie Phillips.
Phillips was trying to break into the industry back in 1995 when she met Moonves at his office to discuss possible work, a fact that both parties and Phillips’ agent acknowledge to be true.
Halfway through the meeting, Moonves said, “Look how hard you make me,” as she turned back to face him, Phillips told the newspaper.
“She saw that he had undone his trousers, exposing his erect penis,” according to the Times. “’Be my girlfriend and I’ll put you on any show,’ he said, in Ms. Phillips’s recollection — and then grabbed her by the neck, pushed her to her knees and forced his penis into her mouth.”
Moonves, 69, denies ever forcing Phillips, but does not deny that oral sex took place.
The detailed revelation comes at a precarious time for CBS, which promised Moonves $120 million after he stepped aside Sept. 9, but only after it investigates claims made against its former leader.
Nearly three months into its investigation, the company is remaining mum on its status and there is no timetable for a conclusion.
CBS also is holding $20 million in grants it promised to organizations dedicated to stamping out sexual harassment in the workplace, and has said it should determine by Dec. 14 where that money will go.
After Ronan Farrow’s July 27 New Yorker exposé detailed six separate allegations of sexual harassment against her husband, Julie Chen Moonves supported the embattled CBS exec.
“I have known my husband, Leslie Moonves, since the mid-’90s, and I have been married to him for almost 14 years. Leslie is a good man and loving father, devoted husband and inspiring corporate leader. He has always been a kind, decent and moral human being. I fully support my husband and stand by him.”
Chen Moonves, 48, resigned as co-host of The Talk back in September.
She remains employed at CBS as the host of Big Brother: Celebrity Edition, which premieres for a second season on January 21.
Following its premiere, the show will air on multiple nights each week for three weeks, with the two-hour finale on Wednesday, February 13.
However, Big Brother hasn’t been renewed officially by CBS for a 21st season.
Moonves and his wife were seen in Beverly Hills last Saturday night leaving Madeo restaurant.
Madeo attracts and older, more sophisticated crowd, and is a staple for many of the heavy hitters in Hollywood.
Julie Chen Moonves has a news background prior to her reality TV career, and may be lured to ABC to become the next Barbara Walters according to sources.