Marine Corps general fired for calling sexual harassment claims "fake news"

The Marine Corps on Monday fired the general in charge of its sexual assault prevention and response efforts for remarks he made at a public meeting disparaging claims of sexual harassment at his command as "fake news."Brig. Gen. Kurt Stein was removed as director of Marine and Family Programs by Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert Neller after an investigation of his comments on April 6. USA TODAY reported that Stein had referred to allegations of sexual harassment at the Quantico, Va., base as "fake news," and joked that he lived vicariously through a Navy chaplain recently fired for having sex in public.
The Marines also received an anonymous tip about his comments, which were made before hundreds of Marines and civilian employees under Stein's command at an "all-hands" meeting.
"After reviewing the investigation, Neller determined that he lost confidence in Stein's ability to lead this particular organization, and Stein has been removed and reassigned," according to a statement from the Marine Corps. "Leaders are responsible for establishing an environment conducive to mission accomplishment."
Removal for loss of confidence typically kills the career of a general officer.
Stein's remarks, confirmed by several people who attended the meeting, were aimed at allegations reported by USA TODAY of two civilian women employees of the division. They allege that a Marine officer on several occasions showed them that he was sexually aroused and that Marine leadership had dismissed their concerns. The officer denies the allegations.

Rep. Jackie Speier, the ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee’s personnel panel, said,“I applaud Commandant Neller’s swift action, but let’s see if Brigadier General Stein will leave with his full rank and pension.”

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