Comcast confirmed on Monday that it had removed NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell after investigating sexual harassment claims by a female employee.
A lawyer for CNBC presenter and senior international correspondent Hadley Gamble admitted that her client’s complaint prompted Comcast to investigate Shell.
Because Gamble authorized her attorney to speak on her behalf, CNN is identifying her even though it is not its policy to identify victims of sexual misconduct.
Suzanne McKie, Gamble’s attorney, said the investigation of Mr. Shell started because of a complaint by her client of sexual harassment and discrimination.
She said, given those facts, it is pretty upsetting that her client’s identity has been made public and her confidentiality has been breached.
Multiple sources report that Gamble submitted emails supporting her accusation, prompting NBC to retain outside legal counsel to investigate. They said that Comcast swiftly removed Shell after examining the complaints.
Gamble was reportedly informed by the network that they would not be extending her contract; however, the reasons for the decision were not disclosed. As of 2:00 p.m. on Monday, Gamble was still credited as a CNBC anchor on the network’s main page.
Shell released a statement on Sunday announcing his abrupt departure.
Shell stated that he had an inappropriate relationship with a woman in the company, which he deeply regrets.
“They are the most talented people in the business, and it has been an honor to work with them for the past 19 years at Comcast and NBCUniversal,” he said.
According to the source, Shell continued working as usual while the business brought in an independent law firm to conduct an inquiry.
According to this source, there is currently no effort to find a new leader to replace Shell. Mike Cavanagh, president of Comcast, will step in as interim replacement.
After heading NBCUniversal Film and Entertainment’s content creation, programming, and distribution, Shell was named CEO in January 2020.
