The Seattle Times has suspended reporter Mike Rosenberg after he allegedly sexually harassed a female journalist via Twitter messages.
“Earlier today, The Seattle Times was made aware of allegations of sexual harassment against a news employee,” the Times tweeted from its Public Affairs account Sunday evening. “We have suspended the employee pending an investigation by our human resources group.”
Earlier today, The Seattle Times was made aware of allegations of sexual harassment against a news employee. We have suspended the employee pending an investigation by our human resources group. As this is a personnel matter, we will have no further comment on this at this time.
— Seattle Times Co. (@SeattleTimesCo) May 5, 2019
On Sunday, freelance writer Talia Jane posted screenshots of Twitter messages in which Rosenberg first asked about her job prospects, then told her she was “so beautiful,” “hilarious,” followed by: “there is so much cum on your face.”
“This isn’t appropriate or acceptable,” Jane replied.
“Holy shit, you’re entirely right, that wasn’t intended for you, I am incredibly sorry,” Rosenberg said.
“Testing the waters & feigning oopsie is pretty typical in sexual harassment,” Jane tweeted with the screenshot of Rosenberg’s pivot. “So is initiating conversation on the premise of professionalism.”
Rosenberg, who covers the housing beat for the Times, confirmed with Crosscut that he sent the messages but that “they weren’t weren’t supposed to go to her.”
Rosenberg later deleted his Twitter account, which had a prominent following. He was also suspended from the Western Washington chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, of which he is a board member.
Official statement: The SPJ Western Washington chapter is aware of sexual harassment allegations involving one of our board members. We take this claim very seriously and have suspended the board member pending further information.
— SPJ W. Washington (@SPJWash) May 5, 2019
Official statement (continued): Sexual harassment is a pervasive issue in journalism and other industries, and we support survivors.
— SPJ W. Washington (@SPJWash) May 5, 2019
