Steve McPherson Resigns Amid Sexual Harassment Charges

The resignation this week of ABC entertainment honcho Steve McPherson was surprising enough, but now the affair has taken an ugly turn.

The Hollywood Reporter claims McPherson, who’s led the network for six years, resigned as he was the subject of an ongoing, formal investigation surrounding charges of sexual harassment. The resignation comes just as the networks are preparing to showcase their fall lineups for TV critics.

McPherson’s attorney, Tom Hoberman, issued a statement to the Reporter, which, curiously, didn’t include specific denials of the rumors surrounding an investigation:

“Upon Steve McPherson returning to work from his vacation on Monday, he made a voluntary decision to resign and ABC accepted his resignation. It is not uncommon for high level executives to be the subject of gossip and innuendo. That would include rumors of internal situations which can easily be misinterpreted or misrepresented. Seems like it goes with the territory, and there is nothing further to discuss.”

ABC also didn’t deny the rumors, and responded to questions by simply re-issuing the statement they made when McPherson resigned on Tuesday:

“Steve McPherson today submitted his resignation as President, ABC Entertainment Group, and the Company accepted. Mr. McPherson said, ‘I want to thank the wonderful team of individuals who have worked with me throughout my time here and wish them nothing but the best.’ A replacement for Mr. McPherson will be announced shortly.”

McPherson’s resignation was particularly surprising given the timing, as ABC and the other broadcast and cable networks are presenting their fall programming lineups to TV critics this week in Los Angeles during the annual summer Television Critics Association tour.

But THR’s sources say several complaints of sexual harassment had been filed against McPherson, and that a formal investigation had begun three weeks before he resigned.

The complaints are said to involve both network executives and on-air talent at ABC, and to include e-mails as well as an incident that took place during a company retreat.

As for McPherson replacements, ABC Family head Paul Lee is thought to be the main contender.

Next up, the other woman, the baby… and the sex tape. Not necessarily in that order.