Humane Society CEO Allegedly Sexually Harassed Staffers

Wayne Pacelle, chief executive of the Humane Society of the United States, was the subject of an internal investigation into sexual harassment at the nonprofit, The Washington Post reports. Three women alleged that Pacelle made unwanted sexual advances and in several instances hinted that dating him would be a career booster. One woman alleged that he asked to masturbate in front of her after a work event and then warned her she’d lose her job if she told anyone about the incident, according to the report. The investigation also reportedly uncovered settlements to three other staffers who said they were demoted or dismissed after reporting Pacelle’s alleged misconduct. Pacelle has denied the accusations, telling The Washington Post the claims are a “coordinated attempt to attack me and the organization.”