A shocked Gayle King and Norah O’Donnell addressed the sudden departure of their co-host Charlie Rose on CBS This Morning on Tuesday
Rose was suspended from the network yesterday when the Washington Post published a report about eight women who claim they were sexually harassed or assaulted by the journalist. His eponymous PBS interview show was also put on hold.
King and O’Donnell returned to the CBS This Morning desk on Tuesday, and said that they intended to cover the scandal like they would any other story.
Gayle King and Norah O’Donnell addressed the allegations against their CBS This Morning co-host Charlie Rose on Tuesday
The Washington Post published a report on Monday, citing eight women who claimed the journalist (pictured) sexually harassed or assaulted them while working or interviewing for his eponymous PBS show
At the end of their segment on the accusations, the two took a moment to address their audience to relay their conflicted feelings about the disturbing revelations.
King said she’s ‘still reeling’ and had slept only two hours overnight. After hearing about the allegations, she sought comfort by calling her close friend Oprah Winfrey.
‘It was deeply disturbing,’ King said of the report.
Both she and O’Donnell said it was important to believe the women who have come forward to accuse Rose, and hope it encourages other victims to come forward.
‘It takes a lot of courage for these women to come forward,’ O’Donnell said.
While they have a personal friendship with Rose, both women said they are firmly behind the victims.
‘There is no excuse for this behavior,’ O’Donnell said.
King added: ‘Charlie does not get a pass here.’
However, King said she also felt for Rose because he has been a longtime friend and collaborator.
‘You can hold two ideas in your head at one time,’ she said.
King has not talked to Rose yet, but said she intends to do so some time today.
Since the original Washington Post report was published, additional women have spoken out to Business Insider and the New York Times. The Post also says more than a dozen women have contacted them after the story with similar stories.
Rose (pictured above with his CBS This Morning co-hosts) was suspended from the network after the report was published, and his interview show has been suspended as well. He was also a contributor to 60 Minutes, which is also a CBS show