A woman who works as an associate producer on the long-running CBS television show "60 Minutes" today filed a lawsuit that claims she experienced gender discrimination at the TV network. Cassandra Vinograd, who is based in London, says she was retaliated against by CBS after complaining about inappropriate conduct by her boss.
A complaint filed Tuesday in NY State Supreme Court against CBS Broadcasting says Vinograd told CBS Broadcasting executives that her supervisor, "60 Minutes" producer Michael Gavshon, texted Vinograd a photo that left her feeling feel "disgusted, uncomfortable and scared."
The complaint says Gavshon, 63, says it was all a mistake and he meant to text the photo to his sister.
CBS News "plans to vigorously defend against the lawsuit."
"CBS thoroughly and immediately investigated the matter in accordance with its policies," the network said in a statement.
"Subsequently, Ms. Vinograd asked to no longer work with Mr. Gavshon and CBS has made every reasonable effort to honor this request. CBS News vehemently denies there was any retaliation."
More from Reuters:
In a statement sent from CBS, Gavshon said he had intended to send the photo to his sister and that he reported the incident and cooperated with a company investigation.
According to the complaint, the CBS human resources department conducted an investigation after Vinograd raised the issue. Human resources advised her to stay home if she was uncomfortable working with Gavshon, and told her she should meet with Gavshon and try to "work through" things, according to the complaint.
After the investigation, Vinograd was stripped of all work responsibilities, according to the complaint.
Charlie Rose, Leslie Moonves and Jeff Fager were all fired from CBS or resigned under public pressure over allegations of sexual misconduct. In various words, all men have fundamentally denied wrongdoing, as has CBS.
Read more: Producer on U.S. TV show '60 Minutes' sues CBS for alleged gender discrimination [Reuters, Helen Coster]
