NBC news analyst and frequent guest on MSNBC’s Morning Joe program, Mark Halperin, has been accused of sexual harassment by five separate women.
The women accused Halperin of inappropriate behavior when he worked at ABC News as a political director.
He is, according to CNN, “widely considered to be one of the preeminent political journalists,” with a career spanning decades and numerous positions at powerful networks such as Showtime, HBO, and Bloomberg, in addition to the aforementioned ABC, NBC, and MSNBC.
Five women have now come forward, accusing Halperin of using that career influence to harass them …
Exclusive: Five women accuse journalist and “Game Change” co-author Mark Halperin of sexual harassment https://t.co/6M7MglVXGr
— Oliver Darcy (@oliverdarcy) October 26, 2017
Halperin issued a statement admitting to inappropriate behavior but falling short of confessing to harassment.
“During this period, I did pursue relationships with women that I worked with, including some junior to me,” he said in a statement to CNN. “I now understand from these accounts that my behavior was inappropriate and caused others pain. For that, I am deeply sorry and I apologize.”
At least one of the women’s allegations rise above the level of harassment and enter assault territory. The woman said she was invited to meet with Haleprin for a soda on one occasion in the early 2000s, when things almost immediately turned.
“I went up to have a soda and talk and — he just kissed me and grabbed my boobs,” the woman said. “I just froze. I didn’t know what to do.”
Halperin said he’d be taking a break from his current work duties in light of the allegations.
Halperin apologizes for “inappropriate” behavior. Says “I’m going to take a step back from my day-to-day work” https://t.co/kk2td3bcwF
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) October 26, 2017
“Under the circumstances, I’m going to take a step back from my day-to-day work while I properly deal with this situation,” he announced.
Halperin authored the book Game Change which was later turned into an HBO movie. It was an inside look at the 2008 presidential election that portrayed Sarah Palin as a bumbling villain and her staffers as the victims.
Palin couldn’t help but take a rightful swipe at Halperin over the sexual harassment allegations.
“Finally. Talk about a true game change. Mark Halperin is one of the most unethical and dishonest men in America,… https://t.co/SZcG4SqInA
— Sarah Palin (@SarahPalinUSA) October 26, 2017
“Talk about a true game change,” Palin charged. “Mark Halperin is one of the most unethical and dishonest men in America, as proven by the sick movie character he invented about me in attempts to destroy my reputation and record.”
“Personally, this is part of the vindication I’ve prayed for – that hateful, lying critics would be revealed for who they really are,” she added.
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