ABC News noted that Mark Halperin left the company a decade ago and said “no complaints were filed during his tenure.” | Paul Morigi/Getty Images Mark Halperin apologizes for 'inappropriate' behavior toward women

MSNBC contributor Mark Halperin apologized late Wednesday for what he conceded was “inappropriate” behavior with women with whom he worked.

CNN reported Wednesday that five women accused Halperin of sexual harassment after he gained a powerful perch as ABC News’ political director, a position to which he was named in 1997. The women, who spoke to CNN on the condition of anonymity, accused Halperin of sexual harassment at ABC News, where Halperin worked until 2007.


“During this period, I did pursue relationships with women that I worked with, including some junior to me,” Halperin, 52, said in a statement to CNN late Wednesday. “I now understand from these accounts that my behavior was inappropriate and caused others pain. For that, I am deeply sorry and I apologize. Under the circumstances, I’m going to take a step back from my day-to-day work while I properly deal with this situation.”

According to CNN, the harassment ranged from propositioning co-workers for sex to kissing and grabbing a woman’s breasts. Three women told CNN that Halperin pressed his genitals against their bodies. Halperin denies allegations that he grabbed a woman’s breasts and pressed an erection against the three women.

Morning Media Your guide to the media circus — weekday mornings, in your inbox. Email Sign Up By signing up you agree to receive email newsletters or alerts from POLITICO. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

All but one woman worked at ABC News at the time of the incident, and none reported directly to Halperin. None of the women said Halperin promised anything in exchange for sex or threatened to retaliate, CNN said.

ABC News noted that Halperin left the company a decade ago and said “no complaints were filed during his tenure.”

MSNBC, where Halperin is a regular contributor, took a harder line against the veteran journalist and the allegations against him.

“We find the story and the allegations very troubling,” an MSNBC spokesperson said. “Mark Halperin is leaving his role as a contributor until the questions around his past conduct are fully understood.”