CNN

Commentary: Charlie Rose: Gayle King, Norah O'Donnell sound off Veteran television host Charlie Rose was suspended by CBS and other broadcasters on Monday after a Washington Post report detailing allegations by eight woman from PBS' Charlie Rose that he sexually harassed them over the years. Hal Boedeker Hal BoedekerContact Reporter Orlando Sentinel Showing steel and sorrow, Norah O’Donnell and Gayle King on Tuesday reported the suspension of “CBS This Morning” colleague Charlie Rose over sexual harassment allegations. Rose was suspended after The Washington Post reported that eight women had accused him of crude sexual advances. CBS said it is investigating the matter, but Tuesday’s “CBS This Morning” played like an obituary for the respected journalist. CNN’s Bill Carter had predicted the accusations were “career-ending.” “CBS This Morning” presented a new side to a sexual harassment story in a way that all could see: the damage done to colleagues. Both of Rose’s co-anchors shared their powerful and pained reactions. O’Donnell said it takes courage for women to come forward and there was no excuse for Rose’s alleged behavior. She said women in the workplace cannot achieve equality until there is a reckoning. “This has to end, this behavior is wrong,” she said. King, who looked devastated, said she was still reeling. “I am not OK,” she said, calling the Post article disturbing. She said she had held Rose in such high regard and asked: “What do you say when someone that you deeply care about has done something that is so horrible?” King said Rose doesn’t get a pass. “I can’t stop thinking about the anguish of these women,” King said, adding that she was on their side. Over the past five years, King, O’Donnell and Rose have built the most-watched CBS morning show in nearly three decades. Rose’s reputation may have helped the show get started, but the two women have become the main reasons to watch. O’Donnell delivers first-rate reporting and asks questions forcefully. King is a wonderfully down-to-earth interviewer and an ingratiating host. Tuesday’s telecast led with the Rose report, and correspondent Bianna Golodryga said the women making the accusations told of a respected figure abusing his position. PBS announced it would no longer distribute Rose’s interview show. Rose apologized for his behavior, but added:“I always felt that I was pursuing shared feelings, even though I now realized I was mistaken.” That chilling comment suggested that it’s time for Rose, 75, to go. The good news for CBS is that is has a strong bench from which to draw a replacement. Sorry, Charlie, it’s over. hboedeker@orlandosentinel.com and 407-420-

• published: 21 Nov 2017
• views: 93