Former TV host Charlie Rose settles sexual harassment lawsuit
Charlie Rose Resolves Sexual Harassment Lawsuit with Former Employees
Former TV host Charlie Rose has reached a resolution in a sexual harassment lawsuit brought against him by three women following his departure from CBS News and the cancellation of his PBS talk show amidst the #MeToo movement in 2017.
The plaintiffs, Katherine Brooks Harris, Sydney McNeal, and Yuqing Wei, stated that they no longer attribute any ill intent to Rose and acknowledge that his behavior could be subject to interpretation.
Legal representatives for both Rose and the women filed court documents this week confirming the settlement of the lawsuit. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed, and the case was listed as resolved on the online court docket.
The lawsuit was scheduled to proceed to trial in Manhattan, with the women accusing Rose of predatory behavior and repeated sexual harassment during their employment with him.
In a joint statement, Harris, McNeal, and Wei expressed that the litigation process allowed both parties to gain a better understanding of each other’s perspectives. They stated, “On reflection, and after having the benefit of discovery, we realize that different people could interpret the conduct in different ways, and therefore we have resolved the claims. We do not assign any bad motive or ill intent to Charlie Rose.”
Rose’s legal representative declined to comment on the matter.
The veteran TV host had previously issued apologies for his behavior, acknowledging his inappropriate actions and expressing remorse for any discomfort caused to the women involved.
Rose’s career downfall was part of the broader #MeToo movement that exposed sexual misconduct by prominent individuals, leading to his dismissal from CBS and PBS.
Currently, Rose hosts an interview show on YouTube, featuring guests such as author Michael Lewis and broadcaster Bob Costas.
Harris, McNeal, and Wei initially filed the lawsuit against Rose and CBS in 2018, alleging that the network failed to prevent Rose’s harassment. CBS settled with the women in 2018, with the terms of the settlement remaining confidential.
Should the case have proceeded to trial, Rose’s legal team planned to challenge the credibility of the women’s claims with evidence suggesting their previous lack of concern regarding Rose’s behavior.
Evidence presented included statements from Wei to a CBS human resources officer indicating no sexually inappropriate experiences with Rose and McNeal’s disclosure to her therapist of no personal experience of harassment by Rose.
Additionally, Harris had previously described any harassment by Rose as subtle and had commended his professionalism and respectfulness in interactions.
