CBS Fires Former NCIS: New Orleans Boss After Latest Investigation

Brad Kern has officially been terminated from CBS. The former NCIS: New Orleans showrunner was fired on Monday, according to The Hollywood Reporter, following the results of a third investigation into his problematic and allegedly abusive behavior.

Kern was appointed as showrunner of NCIS: New Orleans in early 2016. Last December, multiple complaints were filed against Kern to CBS human resources claiming he "harassed and unfairly penalized women, repeatedly bullied a nursing mother and made racially insensitive statements," according to THR. CBS Studios went ahead and gave Kern a two-year overall deal after the investigation, but shortly afterwards a second investigation pushed the studio to demote Kern from showrunner to consulting producer.

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However, this summer a third investigation was launched into the producer, this time from an outside, independent law firm. That firm, Drinker Biddle, investigated not only Kern's behavior at NCIS: New Orleans, but also his previous shows including Beauty & the Beast and the original Charmed series. Gold reportedly finished her investigation in the past few weeks and the results lead to Kern officially being let go from CBS Studios.

Kern's dismissal comes just a few weeks after the CEO of CBS Entertainment Leslie Moonves was removed following two stories in the New Yorker accused him of sexually assaulting multiple employees. His departure was followed by Jeff Fager, the former head of 60 Minutes also accused of abusive behavior, leaving the company.

(Full disclosure: TV Guide is owned by CBS)

Editor's Note: This story has been updated to reflect that Drinker Bindle is the name of the outside law firm, not an additional firm hired for the investigation.