The head of Paul Newman’s famed charity has been sacked for alleged harassment, Page Six can reveal.
Bob Forrester — a close friend of the late Hollywood icon — was recently removed from his longtime role at Newman’s Own Foundation after complaints from former employees, we’re told.
Page Six understands that a female member of the staff made an allegation of inappropriate behavior against Forrester within recent months. When the foundation launched an inquiry, it discovered more allegations by other staff members.
A statement from a foundation spokeswoman, shared exclusively with us, confirms that “an independent special committee of the board of directors of Newman’s Own Foundation removed president and CEO Bob Forrester from his role with the foundation. Concurrently, the committee appointed Jennifer Smith Turner as president and CEO on an interim basis.”
The statement added: “The special committee promptly took action after an independent investigation into allegations brought forward by employees regarding their experiences working at the foundation . . . They are firm in the commitment to uphold the values and culture that Paul Newman established . . . and there is no tolerance for unacceptable behavior.”
Forrester was hired as a consultant by Newman in the early ’90-s, about 10 years after he launched the charity in 1982. The foundation receives profits from the Newman’s Own food business and donates them to charities.
Forrester took over the role as CEO in 2008 when Newman passed away — and vowed to carry on his pal’s legacy.
Forrester expanded the Newman’s Own food line, which now includes 300 products — pasta sauce, lemonade, popcorn, salsa, wine — and has sent more than $530 million to charities.
He was so close to Newman, he boasted in a 2017 interview, that he told the star he was the man to maintain the foundation exactly how Newman wanted it.
Forrester could not be reached for comment.