Leslie Moonves Breaks Silence on CBS Ouster: ‘Untrue Allegations … Are Not Consistent With Who I Am’

Leslie Moonves has cited “untrue allegations” about his behavior in his parting statement following his forced resignation on Sunday from CBS Corp., the company he has steered for nearly 25 years.

In a statement issued Sunday evening, Moonves said he was “deeply saddened to be leaving the company.” Moonves was forced out amid a growing list of sexual harassment and assault allegations leveled against the powerful executive by a dozen women.

Here is Moonves’ full statement:

“For the past 24 years it has been an incredible privilege to lead CBS’s renaissance and transformation into a leading global media company. The best part of this journey has been working alongside the dedicated and talented people in this company. Together, we built CBS into a destination where the best in the business come to work and succeed.

Untrue allegations from decades ago are now being made against me that are not consistent with who I am. Effective immediately I will no longer be Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CBS.

I am deeply saddened to be leaving the company. I wish nothing but the best for the organization, the newly comprised board of directors and all of its employees.”

Related stories

CBS' New Directors Specialize In Deal-Making and New Media

CBS Shakeup: Moonves Out, Lawsuit Settled, New Board Members Named

Strauss Zelnick Among New CBS Board Members, Moonves Exit Announcement Imminent

Subscribe to Variety Newsletters and Email Alerts!