Hamilton Fish, the president and publisher of The New Republic, is taking a leave of absence pending an investigation into complaints by female employees at the magazine, according to a letter sent to its staff on Sunday night.

In the letter, Win McCormack, the magazine’s owner, said he had asked Mr. Fish to “remain on a leave of absence,” effective immediately, pending an independent investigation into recent complaints from women concerning interactions with Mr. Fish.

“I have been made aware that a number of employees have come forward in the last few days to express concern about certain workplace interactions that have created an uncomfortable environment for them,” Mr. McCormack wrote. “As I understand them, these concerns relate specifically to interactions between Ham Fish and a number of women employees.”

Mr. McCormack added: “I appreciate the candor our employees have displayed in coming forward with their concerns, and I take the concerns very seriously.”