The CBS board of directors said on Friday that it would investigate allegations of misconduct against the company’s chief executive, Leslie Moonves, the subject of a forthcoming article in The New Yorker focused on claims about his behavior toward women.
The statement, which did not specifically identify Mr. Moonves, was released after The Hollywood Reporter posted an article online saying that The New Yorker was poised to publish an article that detailed allegations of sexual misconduct against him. CBS shares fell by more than 6 percent after the report.
The directors’ statement said that “all allegations of personal misconduct are to be taken seriously,” and that the group would investigate any claims that violated the company’s policies.
“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,” the statement said.
Mr. Moonves, a former actor who rose through the ranks to lead CBS, is separately embroiled in a legal dispute with Shari Redstone, who controls the company. Mr. Moonves and the CBS board have sued Ms. Redstone to prevent her from trying to merge the network with Viacom, which she also controls. The lawsuit will play out in court this October.
The CBS board’s statement noted the timing of the New Yorker article and said that the company’s managers continued to have the board’s support.
“Along with that team, we will continue to focus on creating value for our shareowners,” the statement said.
