In a three-page letter addressed to THR editor Janice Min, publisher Lori Burgess and editor-at-large Kim Masters, Singer calls their allegations that McPherson was involved in "multiple harassment complaints" from both other executives at ABC and on-air talent "blatantly false." He also blasts away at the foundation of THR:
It is apparent that THR did not want to report the truth, but instead wanted to report a sensationalized cover story that is fiction masquerading as fact. It appears that with a new editor and publisher, THR is adopting tabloid-like behavior. Other media outlets published accurate reports confirming that Mr. McPherson voluntarily resigned from ABC for various reasons, including that he wanted to become involved in a new media company, wanted to pursue his ongoing wine business, a (sic) wanted to pursue a new entrepreneurial venture in the spirits business. THR chose to ignore these facts, and publish a salacious cover story based on false and defamatory information purportedly obtained by an anonymous source who is obviously biased and unreliable. This conduct is more befitting of a supermarket tabloid than respected industry trade paper.
Singer closes by demanding an "apology and retraction" and writes that failure to do so will open the publication to "significant liability and substantial damages." Your move, THR...
EARLIER: Departed ABC Exec Steve McPherson in Sexual Harassment Probe
ยท Steve McPherson's Lawyer Marty Singer Faxes Letter To The Hollywood Reporter Demanding 'Apology And Retraction' [Deadline]