November ends today. What are the chances these stories do, too? I thought so.

Russell Simmons

We've heard that Russell Simmons was working with Brett Ratner to assault women, but an allegation dropped today regarding Simmons alone. Jenny Lumet , daughter of director Sidney Lumet, said, in part:

You didn't punch me, drag me or verbally threaten me. You used your size to maneuver me, quickly, into the elevator. I said, "Wait. Wait." I felt dread. I was very, very sad. I didn't know if the driver was a further threat, or an ally. I was both relieved and terrified when he did not get into the elevator. Alone in the elevator, you pressed me into the corner with your body, your hands and your mouth.

Russell Simmons says that he does not remember their encounter as Lumet does, but is stepping aside from his business dealings as founder of Def Jam records and CEO of Rush Communications. In a statement, he said:

I don't want to be a distraction so I am removing myself from the businesses that I founded. The companies will now be run by a new and diverse generation of extraordinary executives who are moving the culture and consciousness forward. I will convert the studio for yogic science into a not-for-profit center of learning and healing. As for me, I will step aside and commit myself to continuing my personal growth, spiritual learning and above all to listening.

Teddy Davis

Teddy Davis, a senior producer at CNN, has been fired for inappropriate behavior. In a statement, CNN says:

A comprehensive investigation was conducted as soon as this matter was brought to our attention. The behavior attributed to Mr. Davis does not align with the standards and values of CNN and Mr. Davis is no longer with the company.

David Sweeney

National Public Radio has parted ways with their news chief David Sweeney after three women came forward alleging he made unwanted advances. NPR's Vice President of News said:

David Sweeney is no longer on staff," Turin said. "This is a difficult time for our newsroom and I'm committed to supporting all of you as we move forward. I know you appreciate that there are some questions I cannot answer in keeping with our practice to not comment on personnel issues, but I will do my best to address those I can.

Speaking of Public Radio...

Garrison Keillor

Just yesterday, 75 year-old Garrison Keillor was fired from Minnesota Public Radio in the wake of sexual harassment allegations, but we didn't have a lot of details. Now we have details of at least one, but you might wish we didn't. 

Keillor said:

I put my hand on a woman's bare back. I meant to pat her back after she told me about her unhappiness and her shirt was open and my hand went up it about six inches. She recoiled. I apologized. I sent her an email of apology later and she replied that she had forgiven me and not to think about it. We were friends. We continued to be friendly right up until her lawyer called.

Maybe I've just been writing these roundups for too long, but I have to wonder if there is more to this story or if there are others.

John Conyers

Yesterday, Democratic Rep Conyers said that he had "no plans to resign." Meanwhile, today, Nancy Pelosi, who defended Conyers as recently as Sunday, is calling for his resignation. In a press conference today she said:

The allegations against Congressman Conyers, as we have learned more since Sunday are serious, disappointing and very credible," Pelosi said at her weekly news conference. "It's very sad and the brave women who came forward are owed justice. I will pray for Congressman Conyers and his family, and wish them well. However Congressman Conyers should resign.

Can hardly keep up with this one, Pelosi is flip-flopping so fast. 

Matt Lauer

The Matt Lauer details are super weird. There are reports that he exposed himself to women, gave a colleague a sex toy as a gift, and pressured a married colleague into a sexual situation that left her unconscious. Oh, and he also had a secret button under his desk that allowed him to lock his door remotely. Allegedly, his assistant had to take the woman to get medical attention after he used said lock before sexually assaulting her.