NBCUniversal Chief Govt Jeff Shell’s sudden departure adopted an investigation right into a sexual harassment grievance made towards him by a longtime CNBC correspondent, the lady’s legal professional mentioned.
The 41-year-old journalist, Hadley Gamble, has been a Center East correspondent and anchor for the NBCUniversal-owned monetary information community for practically a decade.
It was unclear Monday when she filed the sexual harassment grievance, though a individual near the state of affairs mentioned the declare was filed a number of weeks in the past, prompting guardian firm Comcast Corp. to rent an out of doors legislation agency to research.
The investigation wrapped up over the weekend.
Gamble’s London-based legal professional confirmed the character of Gamble’s grievance in an announcement Monday.
“The investigation into Mr. Shell arose from a grievance by my shopper of sexual harassment and intercourse discrimination,” lawyer Suzanne McKie mentioned.
Shell’s media consultant was not instantly obtainable for remark.
Comcast’s Sunday announcement of Shell’s ouster didn’t determine the lady concerned within the matter. Gamble’s identify started circulating as insiders tried to piece collectively the newest occasion of misconduct to topple a Hollywood government.
“Given these circumstances, it is extremely disappointing that my shopper’s identify has been launched and her privateness violated,” McKie mentioned.
Comcast didn’t instantly remark Monday.
On Sunday, the corporate mentioned Shell had stepped down after three years within the high position because of “an inappropriate relationship,” making him the newest high-powered leisure business participant to lose his job over misbehavior towards ladies.
Comcast mentioned in the assertion that the corporate and Shell had “mutually agreed” that he would depart efficient instantly.
“At this time is my final day as CEO of NBCUniversal,” Shell mentioned Sunday in an announcement that acknowledged “an inappropriate relationship with a lady within the firm,” however didn’t additional specify the character of the problematic relationship.
“I’m really sorry I let my Comcast and NBCUniversal colleagues down, they’re essentially the most gifted folks within the enterprise and the chance to work with them the final 19 years has been a privilege,” Shell mentioned.
The Wall Avenue Journal first reported McKie’s affirmation of the sexual harassment report.
Comcast doesn’t plan to right away begin a seek for Shell’s successor. As an alternative, Comcast President Mike Cavanagh will take over Shell’s senior government group and lead the leisure firm within the interim, Comcast Chief Govt Brian Roberts and Cavanagh mentioned in a be aware to workers.