Who Is Michael Oreskes? NPR News Chief Resigns Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations

Former NPR editor Michael Oreskes stepped down from his position Wednesday amid allegations of sexual harassment. The allegations stem from incidents that occurred during the 1990s while Oreskes was the Washington bureau chief of The New York Times. The two women who accused him of sexual harassment say the former NPR editor made unwanted sexual advancements while discussing additional job opportunities.

Oreskes allegedly told Jarl Mohn, president and CEO of NPR, he would step down from his position, according to a Business Insider report Wednesday. Since stepping down, Oreskes released a statement apologizing for his acts.

"I am deeply sorry to the people I hurt. My behavior was wrong and inexcusable, and I accept full responsibility," he said, according to the statement obtained by CNN.

"To my colleagues, I am grateful for every minute I've had to work with each of you," he added. "NPR has an important job to do. Public radio matters so much and I will always be your supporter."

NPR responded to the allegations Tuesday with a note addressed to staff.

"We take these kinds of allegations very seriously," Mohn wrote. "If a concern is raised, we review the matter promptly. We take all appropriate steps to assure a safe, comfortable, and productive work environment for everyone at NPR."

Allegations against Oreskes are the latest examples of what's been coined as "The Weinstein Effect." Since the allegations against Hollywood heavyweight Harvey Weinstein, at least 17 other men faced the same accusations. Not all of those accused are apart of the Hollywood industry but stem from various fields – which now includes journalism.