CBS CEO Leslie Moonves is leaving his post following numerous allegations of sexual misconduct that spanned much of his career, the company announced on Sunday evening.

CBS announced Moonves will depart as chairman, president and chief executive officer "effective immediately."

The company said COO Joseph Ianniello will now act as president and acting CEO "while the Board conducts a search for a permanent successor."

The allegations against Moonves were brought to light in a New Yorker article by Ronan Farrow in August in which six women accused Moonves of sexual misconduct and damaging their careers. A second New Yorker article by Farrow published on Sunday contained allegations by six more women. Moonves denied the allegations and characterized his relationships with some of the women as consensual.

CBS has been investigating the allegations against Moonves since they were published in the New Yorker article in August.

In a statement following CBS's announcement of his departure, Moonves denied the allegations against him.

"Untrue allegations from decades ago are now being made against me that are not consistent with who I am," he said. "I am deeply saddened to be leaving the company. I wish nothing but the best for the organization, the newly comprised board of directors and all of its employees."