NBC Suspends Veteran Journalist Mark Halperin

Mark Halperin

NBC announced Thursday veteran journalist Mark Halperin was being suspended hours after he was accused of sexual harassment by five female former coworkers.

“We find the story and the allegations very troubling,” the network told a CNN reporter. “Mark Halperin is leaving his role as a contributor until the questions around his past are fully understood.”

Halperin, who is currently contracted as a political analyst for NBC News, was accused of a range of alleged predatory behavior including propositioning coworkers for sex, groping women’s breasts and kissing them without consent, according to CNN.

Halperin is apologizing for what he terms “inappropriate” behavior after five women claimed he sexually harassed them while he was a top ABC News executive.

The co-author of the best-selling book “Game Change” told CNN Wednesday night that he’s “deeply sorry” and is taking a “step back” from day-to-day work to deal with the situation. He’s currently an analyst for NBC News.



The AP reports his statement came after CNN reported allegations that Halperin propositioned, fondled and pushed himself against five women in the early 2000s while he was ABC News’ political director.

The women, who asked to remain anonymous, said they didn’t report Halperin’s conduct because they feared retribution or were embarrassed.

Halperin says he pursued relationships, sometimes with junior co-workers, but CNN says he denies the groping allegations.