Ian Metrose, longtime head of talent relations at CBS who was implicated in the scandal surrounding former CBS chief Leslie Moonves, will leave at the end of the month after 20 years with the network.
Metrose reportedly made the decision to leave at the end of his current contract. But there’s no doubt his departure was precipitated by the scandal that erupted in November surrounding Moonves and his association with the LAPD.
According to a New York Attorney General’s investigation, Metrose was involved in 2017 communications with retired LAPD Captain Cory Palka, who is accused of informing Moonves that a sexual assault complaint had been filed against him. him for an allegation dating back to the 1980s. Palka had formed a relationship with Moonves and several CBS executives, including Metrose, after he was hired to provide security for Moonves at major events. Palka is under investigation by the LAPD.
“Ian has decided to leave CBS at the end of his contract this month. We thank him for his 20 years leading network and studio events and wish him well in his next role,” said CBS in a statement.
Metrose most recently served as senior vice president of talent relations and special events. He was one of a select group of executives who helped revive CBS’s fortunes in the early 2000s.
Metrose was liked and respected by his CBS colleagues. But the detail of his involvement in Palka’s situation, as revealed in the New York Attorney General’s detailed report and the recently released exposition book “Unscripted: The Epic Battle for a Media Empire and the Redstone Family Legacy,” made it untenable for Metrose. to continue in its role for the long term.
(Cynthia Littleton contributed to this report.)