Moonves fighting CBS' decision to withhold $120 million severance

Former CBS chairman and CEO Les Moonves has told CBS' board that he intends to dispute its ruling to strip him of his $120 million severance after he was fired with cause, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The network pulled the payment after an internal investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct.

Why it matters: Sources at CBS and within the industry say that Moonves' ego ultimately prevented a more graceful exit at CBS. His reluctance to step down after initial reports about his behavior, his attempts to undermine investigations, and his current fight to keep his money all highlight the extent to which he is willing to fight these allegations at the expense of his reputation.