Vice Media apologizes after report alleging rampant sexual harassment

NEW YORK – Two co-founders of Vice Media are apologizing for a “boy’s club” culture that fostered inappropriate behaviour after an investigative report uncovered rampant sexual harassment at the New York-based company.

The New York Times on Saturday reported that it found four settlements involving allegations of sexual harassment or defamation against Vice employees, including the current president, Andrew Creighton.

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READ MORE: Sexual harassment named Canadian Press News Story of the Year

The newspaper also talked with more than two dozen women who say they experienced or witnessed sexual misconduct at the company, which has grown from a fringe Canadian punk magazine to a major news outlet. The alleged episodes included groping and forced kisses.

READ MORE: ‘Vice’ founder Shane Smith knocks Canada for stifling success

Co-founders Shane Smith and Suroosh Alvi sent a note to staff Saturday saying the company let people down in failing to create a safe and inclusive workplace.