CBS News: 3 CBS Employees Accuse Charlie Rose Of Sexual Misconduct

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Three CBS employees have come forward claiming they experienced sexual misconduct by former "CBS This Morning" co-host Charlie Rose during his time at the network, CBS News reports.

The new accusations came to light after CBS News fired the legendary newsman on Tuesday following a report in The Washington Post in which eight women who worked with Rose on his PBS interview show alleged a pattern of sexual misconduct, including groping and walking naked in front of them.

The three CBS employees spoke on the condition of anonymity. One says she is not ready for details to become public. Another claims Rose groped her rear and the third says he grabbed her inappropriately and whispered a sexual innuendo in her ear.

None of the three CBS employees filed complaints with human resources. The CBS News communication office issued a statement saying: "This is new information. Beyond that we have no comment at this time."

Prior to that, the accusations about his alleged behavior were all by women who worked or sought work at "Charlie Rose" on PBS, which has also cut ties with Rose.

On "CBS This Morning" Wednesday, co-host Gayle King addressed the growing scandal.

"I never in a million years thought that we, Charlie Rose, CBS, would be involved in this story in this way that we are," she said. "But I also think we are not shying away from reporting it."

King also spoke out on a previously scheduled appearance Tuesday on the "Late Show with Stephen Colbert."

"I just feel raw, I just feel numb," she said. "We're all sort of reeling about what's happened."

King's appearance on the show had been planned weeks ago and she admitted discussing the issue is difficult.

"It still isn't easy, it's still very hurtful, it's still very painful," she said. "Charlie and I have worked together, we've been friends. But when you think about the anguish of those women, despite the friendship, you still have to report the news."

In announcing the firing of Rose, CBS News President David Rhodes said: "Despite Charlie's important journalistic contribution to our news division, there is absolutely nothing more important, in this or any organization, than ensuring a safe, professional workplace-a supportive environment where people feel they can do their best work. We need to be such a place."

While PBS has distributed the program, it is produced by a company owned by Rose. In a statement, PBS said that the service "expects all the producers we work with to provide a workplace where people feel safe and are treated with dignity and respect.''

Bloomberg also confirmed that they terminated their agreement to rebroadcast the talk show, CBS News reported.

According to CBS News, Rose commented Monday night in a TMZ video.

"Do you want to say anything to those accusers, the people that's accusing you of all these wrongdoings?" the cameraman asked.

"It's not wrongdoings," Rose replied.

Rose's comment seemed to be at odds with an earlier statement, in which he said, "I deeply apologize for my inappropriate behavior. I am greatly embarrassed." Though he added, "I do not believe that all of these allegations are accurate."

The Washington Post says it gave Rose the opportunity to refute the allegations line by line, but he did not.

(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)