Boston University brings in 2 outside firms to investigate allegations against ‘On Point’ host Tom Ashbrook
The WBUR host has been accused of giving ‘creepy’ sex talks and bullying show employees.
Two outside firms are being hired by Boston University to investigate allegations that On Point host Tom Ashbrook bullied employees working on the nationally syndicated NPR show and violated the school’s sexual misconduct policy, WBUR News reports.
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Almost a dozen young women and men, both former and current station employees, filed a 15-page complaint on Dec. 7 asserting the show host created a toxic and emotionally unsafe work environment and bullied On Point staff. It was also alleged that Ashbrook gave “creepy” sex talks, unwanted hugs, back or neck rubs, and made “graphic” sexual comments and stories, according to WBUR.
Ashbrook was placed on leave a day later by Boston University and WBUR. On Point, produced by WBUR, is carried by more than 290 NPR Stations across the country.
According to WBUR News, the law firm Holland & Knight will examine the complaints that “characterize certain aspects of Tom Ashbrook’s actions as sexual harassment” to determine if the behavior violates the university’s sexual misconduct/Title IX policy.
Meanwhile Longpoint Consulting, a higher education consulting firm, will review the bullying allegations, which include claims that Ashbrook humiliated and belittled producers during staff meetings.
Here’s the email #BU sent this afternoon to @WBUR employees affected by the @tomashbrooknpr investigation. It’s beginning – no word on how long it might take. @OnPointRadio pic.twitter.com/GFyWQxAzxk
— Martha Bebinger (@mbebinger) December 13, 2017
“I’m committed to the process and to addressing anything that needs to be addressed,” Ashbrook told a WBUR reporter Wednesday.
Read the full report at WBUR News.
