Times Reporter Suspended Over Allegations

The sexual harassment outing revolution continues to roll, and more and more prolific heads continue to fall. While last week’s headlines were dominated by the ousting of Charlie Rose from CBS, other headlines featured a prominent print journalist. New York Times reporter, Glenn Thrush, has been suspended after multiple allegations of “sexual misconduct” involving “younger, female journalists.”

In a statement announcing the firing, the Times said: “(This) is very concerning and not in keeping with the standards and values of The New York Times… We intend to fully investigate, and while we do, Glenn will be suspended… We support his decision to enter a substance abuse program. In the meantime, we will not be commenting further.”

The statement showed restraint but disclosed or confirmed several different leaked media reports. Thrush’s decision to enter a substance abuse program came after a Vox.com story alleging that Thrush has “a history of bad judgment around young women journalists…”

The Vox story offered salacious details including allegations of Thrush committing acts of “unwanted groping and kissing” as well as “sexual encounters under the influence of alcohol…”

These allegations threw a major monkey wrench into what was becoming a storied career in media. Thrush was brought in by the Times after building a name for himself as a political writer at Politico. Thrush’s work often detailed accounts of stories coming out of the Trump White House, which made him a hero and a star among political reporters.

While he had been on the cable news circuit for some time, it was these reports that really put the shine in Thrush’s star. He even became enough of a household name to be featured in sketches on Saturday Night Live.

Thrush also has a book deal, through Random House, and it’s not certain at this point what will come of that project after these allegations. Random House told CNN the company was “looking closely” at the situation. Following up on media requests for a comment, the Times called the allegations against Thrush “troubling.”

Taken together, these comments and delayed decisions create an uncertain future for Thrush, whose rising star was not extinguished but is, at least for now, hanging in suspended animation as the story around these allegations continues to develop.

For Thrush, the ground is shaky, uneven, and filled with explosive eggshells on which he has to walk this out. Any misstep could spell the end, but, at least for now, there may be a small bit of light at the end of the tunnel.

Ronn Torossian is the Founder and CEO of the New York based public relations firm 5WPR: one of the 20 largest PR Firms in the United States.