Following a Vox article detailing instances of New York Times White House correspondent Glenn Thrush’s inappropriate behavior towards women, the news organization announced that they have suspended him while an investigation is conducted.
An MSNBC spokesperson said in a statement, “We’re awaiting the outcome of the Times’ investigation. He currently has no scheduled appearances.” Thrush is a contributor for the network.
The report rocked the Washington political scene when the news broke on Monday. Thrush and partner Maggie Haberman have skyrocketed to fame with their coverage of the Trump Administration and are currently working on a book for Random House. Regarding the news, Random House said they are “looking at it closely and seriously.”
“The behavior attributed to Glenn in this Vox story is very concerning and not in keeping with the standards and values of The New York Times,” senior vice president of communications Eileen Murphy said in a statement.
“We intend to fully investigate and while we do, Glenn will be suspended. We support his decision to enter a substance abuse program. In the meantime, we will not be commenting further”
Thrush released a statement where he denied many of the allegations and revealed that he has “resumed counseling [for drinking] and will soon begin out-patient treatment for alcoholism.”
Politico did not respond to a request for comment (several of the actions took place while Thrush was at Politico), but CEO Patrick Steel said in a memo to staff, “The notion that anyone at POLITICO would be subjected to harassment-or feel as though they couldn’t speak out-is totally unacceptable to me. Our standards and values leave no ambiguity-this behavior will not be tolerated, period.”
Thrush’s full statement (emphasis his):
I apologize to any woman who felt uncomfortable in my presence, and for any situation where I behaved inappropriately. Any behavior that makes a woman feel disrespected or uncomfortable is unacceptable.
My recollection of my interactions with Laura differs greatly from hers – the encounter was consensual, brief, and ended by me. She was an editor above me at the time and I did not disparage her to colleagues at POLITICO as she claims. The assertion that I would rate women based on their appearance is also false.
I have never offered mentorship or reporting advice to anyone, man or woman, with an expectation of anything in return. To assert otherwise is false.
The June incident related in the story was a life-changing event. The woman involved was upset by my actions and for that I am deeply sorry.
Over the past several years, I have responded to a succession of personal and health crises by drinking heavily. During that period, I have done things that I am ashamed of, actions that have brought great hurt to my family and friends.
I have not taken a drink since June 15, 2017, have resumed counseling and will soon begin out-patient treatment for alcoholism. I am working hard to repair the damage I have done.