Journalist Mark Halperin Suspended at NBC News Following Sexual Harassment Allegations

On Wednesday evening, CNN reported that five women have accused journalist and NBC News Contributor Mark Halperin of sexual harassment. Today, MSNBC has released a statement, announcing his suspension at their network and NBC News, as reported by Variety.

"We find the story and the allegations very troubling. Mark Halperin is leaving his role as a contributor until the questions around his past conduct are fully understood," said an MSNBC spokesperson.

The allegations range from groping the women to asking them for sex. Three of the five women have accused Halperin of pressing his body against them, with one claiming he touched her breast. Halperin has denied all of these allegations.

However, Halperin released a statement to CNN on Wednesday night addressing the allegations and apologizing for his actions.

"During this period, I did pursue relationships with women that I worked with, including some junior to me. I now understand from these accounts that my behavior was inappropriate and caused others pain. For that, I am deeply sorry and I apologize. Under the circumstances, I'm going to take a step back from my day-to-day work while I properly deal with this situation," he said.

MSNBC's MORNING JOE, where Halperin regularly appeared, addressed the controversy on their Thursday morning show.

"We are going to be following the story as it develops. I'm sure we are going to be talking about it again when we know more about it," said co-host Mika Brzezinski.