Steve McPherson courtesy The Hollywood Reporter

One of the most powerful players in network television, Steve McPherson shocked the industry by resigning as the ABC entertainment boss on Tuesday.  Speculation of his departure ranged from his alleged prickly temperament to executive dissatisfaction with McPherson’s fall lineup.

Today The Hollywood Reporter said that “according to an informed source,”  McPherson resigned “as the company conducted an internal sexual harassment investigation of the executive.”

McPherson’s attorney wrote (in part) yesterday that “It is not uncommon for high-level executives to be the subject of gossip and innuendo.  That would include rumors of internal situations that can easily be misinterpreted or misrepresented. Seems like it goes with the territory, and there is nothing further to discuss.”

The Hollywood Reporter’s source stated that ABC had been investigating McPherson for three weeks and was looking into several harassment complaints.  And those included “some executives and on-air talent.”

When McPherson left, ABC issued a statement that simply confirmed his exit and a brief statement of thanks from their powerful former employee. When asked later  for an updated report, ABC re-issued its original letter.

McPherson has a part interest in a winery and said that his future plans “…will include a new entrepreneurial venture in the spirits business.”

It’s not uncommon for some to claim sex harassment for a quick, easy payoff (like trip and slip), and the alleged ABC investigation may well exonerate the man who was both entertainment president and head of ABC Studios (if in fact an investigation is taking place).  But if there is fire where there was a clear smoke-trail, then McPherson must have forgotten that the old casting couch had long been removed from every studio chief’s private office.