A member of one of Memphis’ most prominent political families is out of a job. Former Democratic Congressman Harold Ford, Jr. has been fired from his job at a prestigious firm on Wall Street.
Morgan Stanley confirmed to Local 24 News that Ford, Jr. was terminated for “conduct inconsistent with our values and in violation of our policies.”
The Huffington Post reports he harassed and forcibly grabbed a woman in Manhattan, and sent her an email to apologize.
In a string of tweets Thursday afternoon, Ford, Jr. denied the allegations and said he’ll bring legal action against the reporter who made the allegations, and Morgan Stanley for improper termination.
“I can’t say I was really surprised, but I can tell you I was really disappointed,” says former Commercial Appeal political columnist Susan Adler Thorp. Adler Thorp says she saw Ford, Jr. a few months ago at a Memphis restaurant, saying the former congressman appeared in good spirits.
Things are much different now after Morgan Stanley fired Ford, Jr. as managing director. Thursday afternoon, the Huffington Post reported Ford, Jr. lost his job after an HR investigation into misconduct. The Huffington Post article said the investigation stemmed from one woman, who alleged Ford, Jr. harassed, intimidated, and forcibly grabbed her one evening in Manhattan. The report says the woman asked for help from a building security guard. READ MORE HERE.
“I never saw that side of Harold Ford Junior in all the years I had covered him. I had heard rumors about Harold being flirtatious, but Harold was single at the time, and we didn’t really think much about it. And any relationship I had with Harold was strictly a professional relationship,” says Adler Thorp.
In response Thursday afternoon on Twitter, Ford, Jr. wrote, “I have never forcibly grabbed any woman or man in my life,” and, “I will now be bringing legal action against the reporter who made these false claims about me as well as Morgan Stanley for improper termination.”
“If he really does sue, he will have his day in court, he will have a full hearing on it, but we’ll have to see what he does,” says Adler Thorp.
Adler Thorp told Local 24 that Ford, Jr. is now the highest-profile person in the financial sector to be fired in this recent string of high-profile men who’ve lost their positions in wake of sexual misconduct allegations, which began with Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein in October.
