Jeff Shell, CEO of NBCUniversal, fired after sexual harassment allegations are substantiated, according to Comcast

New York () — Comcast said Monday it fired NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell after substantiating allegations of sexual harassment by an employee.

A lawyer representing CNBC anchor and international correspondent Hadley Gamble acknowledged that Comcast investigated Shell over her client’s complaint.

does not typically name victims of alleged sexual misconduct, but identifies Gamble because she gave her attorney permission to issue a statement on her behalf.

“The investigation into Mr. Shell arose out of a complaint by my client of sexual harassment and sexual discrimination,” Suzanne McKie, managing partner at Farore Law, which represents Gamble, said in a statement to . “Given these circumstances, it is very disappointing that my client’s name has been made public and his privacy has been violated.”

Gamble provided emails supporting his claim, and NBC quickly hired outside legal counsel to investigate, according to multiple sources. After examining the allegations, Comcast moved quickly to remove Shell, they said.

Two sources familiar with the matter said Gamble had been informed the network was not renewing her contract, though the reason was unknown. As of Monday afternoon, Gamble was still listed as a CNBC host on the network’s official website.

Shell’s lawyer did not immediately respond to ‘s request for comment.

Shell announced its surprising and immediate departure in a statement on Sunday.

“I had an inappropriate relationship with a woman from the company, which I deeply regret,” Shell said in its statement. “I am truly sorry to have let my colleagues down at Comcast and NBCUniversal, they are the most talented people in the business and the opportunity to work with them for the past 19 years has been a privilege.”

Comcast declined to comment on the allegations made by Gamble’s attorney. But in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Comcast said it fired Shell because of allegations of sexual harassment.

“Following an allegation that Jeffrey Shell, CEO of NBCUniversal, engaged in inappropriate conduct with an employee, including allegations of sexual harassment, Comcast Corporation retained outside counsel to investigate the allegations,” the document says. “During the investigation, corroborating evidence was discovered in the allegations. As a result, on April 23, 2023, the company terminated Mr. Shell’s employment for cause under his employment agreement, effective immediately.”

Shell carried out its normal duties while the company engaged an outside law firm to carry out an investigation, a person familiar with the matter said.

A successor to Shell is not being sought, the person added. Meanwhile, Comcast Chairman Mike Cavanagh will take over from Shell. Shell had been named CEO in January 2020 after leading content creation, programming and distribution for NBCUniversal Film and Entertainment.