Sexual Abuse Allegations Continue to Plague USC

USC’s Annenberg School of Journalism has announced its temporary removal of the name of Julie Chen/Leslie Moonves and CBS Media Center as a result of a current investigation into allegations of sexual harassment against Mr. Moonves, which he denies. The allegations cover the time period of his tenure at the media giant.

Concerning the situation, the school said: “In recognition of the sensitivities surrounding recent allegations against Mr. Moonves, he and Ms. Chen have requested that USC Annenberg temporarily suspend use of the media center’s name until the investigation concludes.”

Moonves has also been suspended from a Board of Counselors position at the USC’s School of Cinematic Arts.

The CBS Corp. Board of Directors conducted a three-hour meeting which concluded with a decision to hire outside legal counsel to investigate alleged claims by six women against Moonves of sexual misconduct.

Moonves responded in The New Yorker with a strong denial of the allegations:

“Throughout my time at CBS, we have promoted a culture of respect and opportunity for all employees, and have consistently found success elevating women to top executive positions across our company. I recognize that there were times decades ago when I may have made some women uncomfortable by making advances. Those were mistakes, and I regret them immensely.

“But I always understood and respected — and abided by the principle — that `no’ means `no,’ and I have never misused my position to harm or hinder anyone’s career.”

CBS stated its intention to investigate the sexual misconduct claims against Moonves: “The Independent Directors of CBS have committed to investigating claims that violate the company’s clear policies in that regard. Upon the conclusion of that investigation, which involves recently reported allegations that go back several decades, the board will promptly review the findings and take appropriate action.”

All in the wake of sexual abuse allegations against the school’s gynecologist

USC has been hit hard with its own scandals recently with hundreds of former students filing legal action against the school for allegedly not taking complaints seriously against the gynecologist alleged to have sexually abused his female patients for decades. The scandals les to University President C.L. Max Nikias announcing his immediate resignation on August 7^th, after hundreds of professors signed off on a letter demanding he leave before the new term. Wanda M. Austin will step in as interim president.

According to the explosive Los Angeles Times investigation, the school permitted a gynecologist, George Tyndall, to treat students for many years in the face of continuing complaints. The allegations against Tyndall span more than three decades of his time at USC. Tyndall denied the allegations of wrongdoing.

Taylor & Ring attorneys Dave Ring and Louanne Masry are currently representing victims in the case against George Tyndall and USC, and they are accepting new cases. They have already filed lawsuits against USC on behalf of dozens of women.

Taylor & Ring has taken on some of the most widely publicized sexual abuse cases in the state of California. We have a strong reputation for fighting vigorously on behalf of our clients for the justice they seek and are determined to bring sexual assault perpetrators to account for their actions. If you were sexually abused by George Tyndall or a USC employee, we’re here to represent you. To set up a free consultation at our office in Los Angeles, complete our contact form or call us today at 310.776.6390.