Former Good Morning America producer Kirstyn Crawford has settled her legal battle against ABC News, in which she accused the network of ignoring multiple sexual harassment allegations against her former boss, Michael Corn. The stipulation to dismiss the case “with prejudice,” meaning it cannot be refiled, was filed in New York state court on Friday. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed.
In a statement, an ABC News spokesperson expressed gratitude to Crawford for speaking out about her experience and thanked her for bringing the matter to their attention. The spokesperson also acknowledged ABC News’ prompt response to Crawford’s formal complaint in 2021.
Corn, the ex-senior news executive and senior executive producer of Good Morning America, denied the allegations made against him. His lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Corn abruptly left the network in April 2021. Following Crawford’s lawsuit in August of the same year, an independent investigation was launched to examine ABC News’ response to allegations of assault and harassment.
The lawsuit centered around an incident in 2015 when Corn allegedly assaulted Crawford during a work trip to Los Angeles for the Academy Awards. Crawford claimed that Corn forcibly kissed her and touched her legs. The lawsuit also included allegations from former ABC News producer Jill McClain, who accused Corn of assaulting her on two separate work trips. In one incident in 2010, Corn allegedly entered McClain’s hotel room, pinned her down on the bed, pulled down her jumpsuit, and fondled her breasts.
Crawford argued that ABC News was aware of Corn’s history of sexual harassment, as multiple women had reported him to human resources and senior management. She claimed that the network turned a blind eye to Corn’s behavior and promoted him based on his commercial success as a producer. This, in turn, facilitated a hostile work environment in which Corn wielded influence over subordinates’ careers and engaged in sexual harassment, gaslighting, and anger management issues.
In May, a New York appeals court partially revived some of the claims that had been dismissed by the judge overseeing the case. The appeals court found that certain claims, including those related to hostile work environment and sex discrimination, should not be precluded due to the statute of limitations. The court also stated that allegations from McClain, who was not a plaintiff in the lawsuit, were relevant to Crawford’s hostile work environment claim.
However, the appeals court ruled that the allegation of quid pro quo harassment could not be included in the lawsuit since there was no evidence that Corn had denied Crawford a promotion during the relevant time period.
The settlement between Crawford and ABC News brings an end to the legal battle, but it highlights the ongoing issue of workplace sexual harassment and the importance of holding companies accountable for addressing such allegations promptly and effectively. Investigations like the one initiated by ABC News can help shed light on organizational failures and contribute to creating safer work environments for all employees. It is crucial for companies to prioritize the well-being and safety of their employees and take swift action in response to reports of misconduct or harassment.
By settling this case, Crawford has taken a significant step towards seeking justice for herself and shining a spotlight on the importance of addressing workplace sexual harassment. While the terms of the settlement remain undisclosed, this resolution allows Crawford to move forward and continue advocating for a workplace culture free from harassment and discrimination.
This case also serves as a reminder that anyone who has experienced or witnessed workplace sexual harassment should feel empowered to come forward and report their experiences. It takes courage to speak out against such misconduct, but it is an essential step in bringing about change and holding accountable those who engage in inappropriate behavior.
In conclusion, the settlement between Kirstyn Crawford and ABC News marks an important development in the fight against workplace sexual harassment. By settling the case, Crawford has brought attention to the issue and ensured that her allegations are not ignored. This case serves as a reminder for companies to take allegations of sexual harassment seriously and implement effective policies and procedures to prevent and address such behavior. It is crucial for all individuals to feel safe and respected in their workplaces, and organizations must strive to create environments where harassment is not tolerated.