Charlie Rose, whose allegations of sexual harassment came amid the still-potent #MeToo and #Times Up movements, is reportedly plotting a comeback following his dismissal at CBS in November 2017.
Rose is now the latest disgraced entertainment industry figure speculated to make an attempt at redemption, following rumors of Louis C.K. returning to the comedy world, and Matt Lauer "testing the waters" for his own comeback.
#MeToo Series Starring Charlie Rose
There's a #MeToo series in the works that will star Rose, as Page Six reports, and the structure would have him interview other figures who have lost their jobs after being accused of sexual harassment last fall, including C.K. and Lauer.
Tina Brown, a celebrity and previous editor for The New Yorker and Vanity Fair, confirmed to Page Six that she was offered a producing role on the show but vehemently declined the opportunity. She did not confirm who had approached her.
"These guys are already planning their comebacks!" said Brown during a luncheon where she first mentioned about the project.
Why This Is Worrisome
As Vox notes, there's no reason to believe a show like this could get made given the current climate of sexual allegations and the high-profile men being ousted following accusations of their sexual misconduct. But the fact that there are people working to develop a show like that is troubling enough, and indicative that instead of finding meaningful, sincere methods of penance for their actions, some men think they've spent enough time in exile and want to stage a proper comeback.
When he was fired following sexual misconduct allegations, Rose offered an apology but denied the accuracy of some reports:
"I always felt that I was pursuing shared feelings, even though I now realize I was mistaken," he said. Rose has not commented on the rumored development of the show in question.
Brown told Page Six the project isn't currently attached to any network, streaming platform, or producer. Three guests from the luncheon said she'd called it a "Netflix show," but citing a source, Vanity Fair reports Netflix isn't involved with the project.
Below are some reactions from Twitter:
"Disgraced CBS anchor Charlie Rose is being slated to star in a show where he’ll interview other high-profile men who have also been toppled by #MeToo scandals." https://t.co/f4H4Ut4sHQ My Reaction ️ pic.twitter.com/7ZvuNeWRvA — Yashar Ali (@yashar) April 26, 2018
A perfect example of rape culture is allowing predatory men to profit off their stories while attempting to discredit their victims. And people still have the audacity to ask why women hesitate to come forward.https://t.co/yPyZodgltu — OhNoSheTwitnt (@OhNoSheTwitnt) April 26, 2018
Andddddd Charlie Rose's first interview guest is a mirror — Aparna Nancherla (@aparnapkin) April 26, 2018
How do we keep this from happening? How many chances do these guys get? How about a series hosted by a woman whose career was derailed by Charlie Rose’s predation? Interviewing other women who lost jobs, money, experience, time? https://t.co/nKQ8UwKItl — Jennifer Weiner (@jenniferweiner) April 26, 2018
Charlie Rose and all the men he was planning to interview deserve some court/prison time like Bill Cosby, not a rehab tour. Sexual misconduct needs to be taken much more seriously! https://t.co/X2vfA80tVf — Amy Siskind (@Amy_Siskind) April 26, 2018
We didn’t say time OUT, @charlierose, we said time is UP. As in, your time in front of the cameras is OVER. Any network or platform that feels otherwise knows it will trigger immediate ad boycotts. #TimesUp — Shannon Coulter (@shannoncoulter) April 26, 2018
