CBS Chief Les Moonves Resigns Over Sex Assault Charges

The top executive of broadcasting and media giant CBS, Les Moonves, resigned late Sunday after six more women accused him of sexual assault.

CBS says his resignation is effective immediately. A statement did not directly mention the allegations against him, but said CBS and Moonves will donate $20 million to groups supporting equality for women in the workplace.

Moonves was one of the highest paid and most powerful executives in the broadcasting business.

He was already under investigation for charges of sexually harassing women when the New Yorker magazine reported Sunday that six more women allege that beginning in the 1980s, he forced himself on them, intimidated them, and used violence.

Some of the women say Moonves promised to advance their careers in the entertainment industry in exchange for sexual favors.

Moonves has not issued any statements since his announced resignation. But he has denied what he has called the "appalling accusations" against him, saying they are part of an effort to destroy him and his career.

He said any sexual relations he may have had with his accusers were consensual.

Moonves is eligible to receive as much as $100 million in severance and settlements with CBS.