A CNN reporter who used to work with former ABC News political director Mark Halperin called it an "open secret" that he engaged in sexual harassment.
CNN reported Wednesday night that five women said Halperin had a history of propositioning junior staffers at ABC News and making other unwanted sexual advances. Multiple women even claimed Halperin, now a political analyst for NBC and MSNBC, rubbed his erect penis against them.
"We find the story and the allegations very troubling," an MSNBC spokesperson told the Washington Free Beacon in a statement. "Mark Halperin is leaving his role as a contributor until the questions around his past conduct are fully understood."
"This was an open secret when I was at ABC for years," CNN reporter Clarissa Ward tweeted. "Brave of these women to speak up."
This was an open secret when I was at @ABC for years- brave of these women to speak up. https://t.co/xQgu2xZMUk
— Clarissa Ward (@clarissaward) October 26, 2017
Ward then went into a more detailed explanation of why she and others did not speak out at the time, saying she was a young reporter who feared retribution.
1) Amazing how many men lashing out on Twitter that I, or other women who had heard about sexual misconduct at @ABC are somehow responsible
— Clarissa Ward (@clarissaward) October 26, 2017
2) As if these men have the first idea what it's like to be a 26 year old girl starting out a career at a major network or any company
— Clarissa Ward (@clarissaward) October 26, 2017
3) As if these men have any idea how much courage it takes for a young woman to stand up to an incredibly powerful and well respected man
— Clarissa Ward (@clarissaward) October 26, 2017
4) As if these men know what it's like to try to defuse an incredibly awkward and unwanted encounter with humor for fear of losing a job
— Clarissa Ward (@clarissaward) October 26, 2017
5) As if most of us at that age aren't just trying to be seen as competent equals with a bright future ahead and not a potential HR headache
— Clarissa Ward (@clarissaward) October 26, 2017