Ben Sherwood | ABC News and Disney Sexual Assault Lawsuit Investigation

Ben Sherwood, who was the President of Disney-ABC Television Group and Co-Chairman of Disney Media Networks from 2010-2015, has been accused of “regularly” engaging in “creepy” and “sexually harassing” behavior towards female staff members during his time at the network, reports Fox News. 

According to the amended lawsuit complaint filed in New York state in September 2021, Sherwood’s “inappropriate behavior was widely observed and known, [but] ABC did nothing to stop it and continued to promote Sherwood.”  

Similarly, the company purportedly failed to take appropriate disciplinary action against executive Michael Corn, who allegedly sexually assaulted ABC News producer Kristyn Crawford, and former staffer Jill McClain on various work trips. The lawsuit states that both Crawford and McClain did not report the incidents of sexual harassment at the time, because Michael Corn was their supervisor, and they were afraid they would lose their jobs. Crawford has since accused the network giant of retaliation for failing to extend her contract after she publicly spoke out against Corn and the toxic culture at ABC News. 

In the wake of the unsettling allegations, NBC News interviewed several current ABC News employees who explained that they are growing increasingly frustrated with how the company undermines women who report harassment. One anonymous employee remarked:  

 “Women are questioning why they are still at ABC because they are all so disgusted. It’s a company they don’t want to work for anymore.”  

The employee added that “morale is low.” 

Following the allegations, the Wall Street Journal reports that ABC News President Kim Godwin called for an independent investigation to further look into claims of sexual misconduct at the company. 

The Washington Post notes that in the era of the #MeToo movement, major corporations and executives such as Fox News and Harvey Weinstein have come under fire for promoting or engaging in a culture of sexual harassment. The Los Angeles Times notes that in recent years, top news anchors and executives from stations like Fox News, NBC News, and CBS News have been accused of sexual harassment by female subordinates. In other words, the recent allegations against ABC News executives may be seen as part of a larger trend of powerful companies turning a blind eye to harassment when it involves successful executives. 

 It can be extremely daunting to speak out about sexual assault, and individuals who work in settings with established hierarchies and potentially toxic power dynamics may feel especially fearful about challenging the status quo. Employees may fear for their jobs, reputation, or safety if they publicly come forward. 

Whether you choose to share your story with others or not, we want survivors to know that they shouldn’t have to stand for toxic and non-consensual treatment in the workplace, or anywhere else.