CBS This Morning Responds to Charlie Rose

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After CBS co-host Charlie Rose was suspended for sexual misconduct, Gayle King and Norah O'Donnell were left to pick up the pieces. They didn't shy away from addressing issues directly. 

O'Donnell read from a script, and King had a script but didn't follow it as closely. She spoke from a more personal perspective, saying she is "not OK," and "I am still reeling." She mentioned her personal relationship with Rose but said, "He doesn't get a pass."

King hit on some points we haven't been hearing much about during all of reports of sexual misconduct, for example, the impact on women's bodies and on their careers and on what it's like for people close to an accuser to have conflicting, confusing feelings about the person.

The Washington Post covered allegations of sexual misconduct against Rose, including eight women, whose stories had "striking commonalities." Rose issued an apology statement:

“In my 45 years in journalism, I have prided myself on being an advocate for the careers of the women with whom I have worked,” Rose said in a statement provided to The Post. “Nevertheless, in the past few days, claims have been made about my behavior toward some former female colleagues.

“It is essential that these women know I hear them and that I deeply apologize for my inappropriate behavior. I am greatly embarrassed. I have behaved insensitively at times, and I accept responsibility for that, though I do not believe that all of these allegations are accurate. I always felt that I was pursuing shared feelings, even though I now realize I was mistaken.

“I have learned a great deal as a result of these events, and I hope others will too. All of us, including me, are coming to a newer and deeper recognition of the pain caused by conduct in the past, and have come to a profound new respect for women and their lives.”

Discussion: 

  • What's your view of this segment? How well do you think the co-hosts handled the situation?
  • Assess Rose's apology. How does it compare to others we have seen?
  • Rose was revered in the industry, but CBS didn't hesitate in suspending him. Did they do the right thing?