New reports reveal that Vice has suspended two top executives based on allegations of sexual misconduct revealed in a recent New York Times article. According to a memorandum sent to employees, President Andrew Creighton and chief digital officer Mike Germano have been put on leave while the company further investigates accusations pinned against the two.
In late December, the New York Times found four settlements involving sexual harassment or defamation filed against employees, with Creighton and Germano being included in these documents. Speaking with the victims of the crime, which began to multiply once a spotlight was shed on these alleged indecencies, the newspaper reveals how they experienced or witnessed forms of sexual misconduct including groping and forced kissing.The explosive New York Times article also recounts the story of a $135,000 settlement given to a former female employee who in 2016 sued the company after being fired for rejecting Creighton's advances.
According to the leaked memo, Creighton and Germano were the only two people accused of wrongdoing who were still actively employed with the company at the time.
Vice Media co-founders Shane Smith and Suroosh Alvi have since apologized for the "boys" office culture that has enabled such behaviour, noting how "from the top down, we have failed as a company to create a safe and inclusive workplace where everyone, especially women, can feel respected and thrive." The company will now require that all employees undergo thorough training on sexual harassment in order to prevent further instances.
Here is COO/CFO of Vice Sarah Broderick's recent memorandum addressing the company's controversies and the newest steps towards combatting sexual harassment in their offices.
https://twitter.com/_/status/948246867317526530
