Political Analyst Mark Halperin Accused of Sexual Harassment by Five Journalists!

Political Analyst Mark Halperin has been accused of sexual harassment by five journalists, which dates back to 1990’s when Mark used to be the political director at ABC, as per the report on October 25, 2017.

Mark Halperin is accused of grabbing a colleague’s breast and pressing his genitals against three women and even suggesting other coworkers for sex.

The incident dates back in early 2000’s when Mark used to serve as the political director at ABC News. The lady was invited to his office and asked to have soda. But she was shocked to experience what happened next. She described the incident as,

"I went up to have a soda and talk and -- he just kissed me and grabbed my boobs. I just froze. I didn't know what to do."

The second woman, who is former employee of ABC news, shared the incident of his office around the 2004 campaign cycle as,

"The first meeting I ever had with him was in his office and he just came up from behind -- I was sitting in a chair from across his desk -- and he came up behind me and [while he was clothed] he pressed his body on mine, his penis, on my shoulder. I was obviously completely shocked. I can't even remember how I got out of there -- [but] I got out of there and was freaked out by that whole experience. Given I was so young and new I wasn't sure if that was the sort of thing that was expected of you if you wanted something from a male figure in news."

Similarly, the woman mentioned that Mark had expressed his sexual desires in subsequent visits, and even propositioned her for sex during the campaign trail.

"He would say, 'Why don't you meet me upstairs?' And I would say, 'That's not a good idea.' And he would push the request further. Eventually I would just ignore him and go about my business."

The third woman, again an ex ABC employee, said that she was on the road with Mark when he propositioned her for sex.

"I excused myself to go to the bathroom and he was standing there when I opened the door propositioning [me] to go into the other bathroom to do something. It freaked me out. I came out of the ladies' room and he was just standing there. Like almost blocking the door."

The fourth woman shared that she was junior to Mark, and on a late night during the campaign trail, Mark asked her to go to his hotel with him. Believing it to be Mark’s propositioning, she declined it.

The fifth woman, who was not an ABC News Employee, didn’t share the details of the incident, as she was not comfortable. However, she shared that Mark pressed his erect penis against her body without her consent, while clothed.

Even after being sexually harassed, the incident was not reported to the ABC management, possibly because of the fear of retribution, or the level of influence Mark had in ABC. The investigation by CNN concludes that Mark showed this kind of behavior from 1990’s to mid-2000s, but did not find such incidents after Mark left ABC.

Although the women accused Mark of sexual harassment, none of the women reportedly said that Mark offered any favor in exchange for sex or promised he would retaliate against anyone.

Although Mark, who currently serves as an analyst for NBC News, issued an apology on October 25 on Wednesday, he denied grabbing a woman’s breast and pressing genitals against three women against their will.

"During this period, I did pursue relationships with women that I worked with, including some junior to me," 

He added,

"I now understand from these accounts that my behavior was inappropriate and caused others pain. For that, I am deeply sorry and I apologize. Under the circumstances, I'm going to take a step back from my day-to-day work while I properly deal with this situation."

Mark is currently an analyst for NBC News and even makes frequent appearances in MSNBC show “Morning Joe.” Moreover, he was featured in the show called “The Circus,” which was related to campaign cycle 2016. 

His professional association with big names in the business has undoubtedly helped him accumulate a hefty sum to his name, but he is yet to reveal the exact figures of his net worth till this date.

Talking about the personal front of Mark, he lives in NYC with his girlfriend Karen Avrich, although she is yet to make her his wife by officially getting married.