Departing ABC Exec's Conduct Probed: Report

Entertainment chief was reportedly subject of sex harassment investigation

ABC's outgoing entertainment chief headed for the Disney network's door as he was being probed over sexual harassment allegations, according to a report.

Steve McPherson, who ran the network's entertainment department and sister studio for six years, resigned on Monday. The Hollywood Reporter cited sources regarding the probe and noted the network "pointedly did not deny" allegations of bad conduct were involved.

McPherson's attorney, Tom Hoberman, told THR he would not discuss rumors.

"Upon Steve McPherson returning to work from his vacation on Monday, he made a voluntary decision to resign and ABC accepted his resignation," Hoberman said in a statement. "It is not uncommon for high level executives to be the subject of gossip and innuendo. That would include rumors of internal situations which can easily be misinterpreted or misrepresented. Seems like it goes with the territory, and there is nothing further to discuss."

The source told THR multiple harassment complaints were made involving McPherson and that the company had been conducting a formal investigation into his behavior for three weeks leading up to his resignation.

Sources said the alleged incidents involved several women and included email. A source said an incident at a company retreat, witnessed by more than one staffer, was also part of the inquiry.

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