Emmanuel Rosen
Photo: Sharon Beck
Police launch criminal investigation into Rosen harassment claims
Media star's PR man approves move, says 'proper procedures' are welcome after week of 'field trial'
Police announced the launch of a criminal investigation against journalist Emmanuel Rosen
on suspicion of sexual harassment of female coworkers, following a preliminary probe which included deposing several testimonies from suspected victims and deciding whether there was enough evidence to warrant an official investigation.
Rosen suspended himself from his position as Channel 10's political commentator after the complaints became public about two weeks ago. He had also removed himself from additional public positions in television and radio.
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Police are now set to question Rosen under caution. They added the investigation does not focus on any specific instances, but on a "broad web" of violations of the law of sexual harassment and other sexual offenses.
Moshe Ronen, Rosen's media adviser, welcomed the move: "There is now a proper procedure with rules and standards, as opposed to the 'field trial' which was taking place up to now. We urge everyone to allow the police to complete the investigation."
One of those to go public after the initial report was published by Haaretz was fellow journalist Gadi Sukenik, who told Army Radio last week that "Industry rumors and these acts, and I emphasize the word acts, took place over years. I confirm what all these journalists claim. I swear it's just the tip of the iceberg, and the least grave offenses, there are far more serious cases."
He said going public with the claims must have been a daunting prospect for the victims, as claims regarding harassment made behind closed doors are inherently difficult to prove.
"Trust me that I would not have gone on air had I not known these things for a fact. Many managers worked in the media who knew everything. Over the years the picture only became clearer, but companies still continued to employ him. I complained, I asked why, but no one appointed me the juror," Sukenik said.
Earlier Monday, Meretz Chairwoman Zahava Gal-On criticized Channel 2's conduct in regards to the Rosen affair: "Channel 2 acted accordingly and fired Rosen but did not publish it. Whoever does that causes future victims' blood to be let."
Announcing his suspension when the allegations were made public, Rosen stated: "An anonymous campaign to tarnish my reputation has been ongoing for 10 years… presenting an imaginary character that does not exist – 'a harassing Emmanuel Rosen.'"
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