What happened to Leslie Moonves?

Les Moonves, the former President and CEO of CBS, recently found himself in hot water, facing consequences for attempting to influence a retired LAPD captain in a sexual assault investigation against him. The Los Angeles City Ethics Commission, as reported by a local NBC affiliate, revealed that Moonves agreed to pay a fine of $11,250 after it was determined that he had indeed tried to interfere with the probe.

Moonves’ departure from CBS in 2018 followed accusations from 12 women of sexual misconduct, as detailed in investigative articles by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ronan Farrow in The New Yorker. Despite the allegations, Moonves has steadfastly denied any wrongdoing.

Additionally, a New York Times report at the time of Moonves’ resignation implicated him in the destruction of evidence related to the investigation into his misconduct, as well as misleading investigators involved in the case.

The recent findings from the L.A. City Ethics Commission shed light on Moonves’ efforts to obtain confidential information about the sexual assault probe against him. It’s alleged that Moonves persuaded now-retired LAPD Captain Cory Palka to provide him with details regarding the investigation following accusations from a former employee in 2017.

The accuser, Phyllis Gottlieb, came forward to the press in 2022, stating that Moonves had assaulted her while she worked under him in 1986. Despite Moonves denying the allegation, the incident wouldn’t have led to charges due to the statute of limitations.

Nevertheless, Moonves faced consequences for his actions in obtaining leaked information from Palka regarding the official investigation. The fine imposed by the Ethics Commission serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding ethical standards and avoiding undue influence in legal proceedings. Moonves’ attempt to sway the course of the investigation highlights the complexities and challenges surrounding cases of alleged misconduct in high-profile settings.