The timing of Lee Fitting’s departure from ESPN sparked widespread speculation, as it came just weeks before the start of the 2023 college football and NFL seasons.
While initial questions seemed answered after the College GameDay Emmy fraud scandal surfaced months later, new information suggests there was more to the story.
Allegations of Misconduct
A recent report by The Athletic revealed that Fitting, who served as ESPN’s senior vice president of production, was accused of making inappropriate comments and crude jokes in the workplace.
The allegations included objectifying women, criticizing their physical appearances, and making sexually charged remarks. These claims led ESPN to open a human resources investigation in 2023, shortly before Fitting’s departure.
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HR Investigation Findings
According to the report, multiple individuals shared instances of Fitting’s alleged misconduct with HR officials. Two current ESPN executives stated that the investigation’s findings left the network with no choice but to part ways with him.
Specific Incidents
Several accusations were detailed in the report:
- Sexual Comments:
- Fitting allegedly joked about the oral sex skills of a woman not employed by ESPN.
- During a production meeting, he reportedly patted his lap and told a woman, “I’ve got a seat right here for you.”
- Questionable Texts:
- Fitting was accused of texting an employee, “you look hot.”
- Career Meeting Misinterpretation:
- When she requested a meeting about career opportunities, an employee claimed that Fitting asked if he should get a hotel for the night, which she interpreted as a suggestive comment. Fitting later clarified, through a spokesperson, that he had meant booking a conference room.
- On-Air Talent Interaction:
- Fitting allegedly insisted that an on-air talent wear her hair in a ponytail, reportedly saying, “Put your hair up in a ponytail before I do it for you,” a claim he denied.
Workplace Atmosphere
The report describes an environment where colleagues were aware of Fitting’s alleged behavior but felt too intimidated to report it due to his influence and power within ESPN.
Fitting’s Response
Fitting denied the allegations and declined to comment on the broader characterization of his behavior or the reasons for his departure from ESPN. Despite this, the allegations contributed to his exit from the network.
Transition to WWE
Five months after leaving ESPN, Fitting joined WWE as the head of media and production. Since his arrival, he has received praise for overhauling the company’s presentation and delivering significant improvements.
Conclusion
The allegations against Lee Fitting shed light on concerns about workplace culture and accountability within major organizations. While Fitting’s career has continued to thrive in WWE, the controversy surrounding his time at ESPN underscores the importance of addressing inappropriate behavior in professional environments.
Key Takeaways
- Serious misconduct allegations preceded fitting’s departure from ESPN.
- An HR investigation confirmed inappropriate behavior, leading to his exit.
- Despite the controversy, Fitting has found success in his new role at WWE.
By examining these incidents, organizations can better understand the need to foster safe and respectful work environments.
