Former 'GMA' Host Joan Lunden Alleges Sexual Harassment by Ex-Boss

Lunden details the alleged incident in her new memoir, 'JOAN: Life Beyond the Script'.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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In her new book, former Good Morning America host Joan Lunden accused one of her former bosses at WABC-TV in New York of sexually harassing her in the 1970s. Lunden alleges that her boss, referred to as 'Ted', invited her on what she thought was a work gathering on Fire Island, but turned out to be a double date. Lunden says Ted pressured her to sleep in the same bed as him that night, which she refused. She claims Ted then retaliated by cutting several of her news stories, resulting in a financial loss for her. Lunden eventually threatened to sue Ted and the network for discrimination and harassment, which she says forced him to improve his behavior, though his bitterness toward her allegedly continued.

Why it matters

Lunden's allegations highlight the persistent issue of sexual harassment in the workplace, even for high-profile media personalities. Her story sheds light on the power dynamics and retaliation that victims often face when coming forward. This case also underscores the importance of workplace policies and protections to prevent such misconduct and support those who report it.

The details

According to Lunden's book, in 1975 when she was working as a weekend news anchor at WABC-TV in New York, her boss 'Ted' invited her to what she thought was a work gathering on Fire Island. However, it turned out to be a double date with Ted, another reporter, and his girlfriend. Lunden says Ted pressured her to sleep in the same bed as him that night, which she refused. She claims Ted then retaliated by cutting several of her news stories, resulting in a financial loss for her. Lunden was eventually encouraged to sue Ted and the network for discrimination and harassment, which she says forced him to improve his behavior, though his bitterness toward her allegedly continued.

  • In 1975, Lunden was working as a weekend news anchor at WABC-TV in New York.

The players

Joan Lunden

A former host of Good Morning America who worked as a weekend news anchor at WABC-TV in New York in the 1970s.

Ted

Lunden's former boss at WABC-TV who she alleges sexually harassed her.

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What they’re saying

“I was embarrassed that I'd been so naive as to let this situation unfold, and I was offended as a woman that a guy — my superior at work — thought he could get away with this! He assumed that I would just go along with it.”

— Joan Lunden (Los Angeles Times)

“Sometimes, you just have to put on your big-girl pants and stand up for yourself, even if it feels incredibly uncomfortable and scary.”

— Joan Lunden (Los Angeles Times)

What’s next

Lunden's allegations against her former boss at WABC-TV could potentially lead to further investigation or legal action, though details on any next steps are unclear.

The takeaway

Lunden's story serves as a sobering reminder of the persistent problem of sexual harassment in the workplace, even for high-profile media personalities. Her experience highlights the importance of strong workplace policies, protections for victims, and a continued push to create safe, equitable environments for all employees.