Joan Lunden alleges former WABC boss sexually harassed her in new memoir

Joan Lunden claims former WABC superior sexually harassed her in her memoir Joan: Life Beyond the Script

Former Good Morning America co-anchor Joan Lunden has alleged that a former superior sexually harassed her during her early career at WABC, according to her new memoir, Joan: Life Beyond the Script.

Lunden, who co-anchored the ABC morning programme from 1980 to 1997, writes that the incident occurred when she was working as a reporter at the network’s New York flagship station between 1975 and 1980. In the book, she refers to the man as “Ted”, a story editor.

She recounts being invited to what was described as a work get-together on Fire Island, which she was told would be a “good opportunity for you to socialize with the rest of the team.”

Lunden writes that she was 25 at the time and concerned about fitting in. “Not having any close friendships in the newsroom, I was concerned that I would feel awkward and uncomfortable, like a tagalong,” she wrote.

According to Lunden, upon arrival she discovered only two other people were present, which she said created the impression of an “overnight double date.” She wrote: “I was embarrassed that I'd been so naive as to let this situation unfold, and I was offended as a woman that a guy — my superior at work — thought he could get away with this!”

Lunden said she told him, “‘Ted, you know this is not what I signed up for,’” but alleged he dismissed her concerns. She later wrote that after she rejected his advances, his professional conduct changed and he began “killing” her stories.

“This was clearly sexual harassment and sexual discrimination,” Lunden wrote. She said the behaviour continued for months until she sought legal advice and confronted him about possible action, which prompted an apology.