NBCUniversal executives react to news of Jeff Shell/Hadley Gamble scandal

NBCUniversal was shocked over the weekend after CEO Jeff Shell was ousted following an “inappropriate relationship” with CNBC anchor Hadley Gamble.

“Today is my last day as CEO of NBCUniversal,” Shell said in a statement on Sunday.

“I had an inappropriate relationship with a woman in the company, which I deeply regret. I’m truly sorry I let my Comcast and NBCUniversal colleagues down.

“They are the most talented people in the business and the opportunity to work with them the last 10 years has been a privilege.”

Sources state the alleged affair came to light following an investigation by an outside counsel after a complaint was lodged against Shell.

Executives left shocked by Shell’s scandal

According to Deadline, Shell’s affair with Gamble started 11 years ago and continued sporadically over the years.

Sources told Page Six that executives at the company have been left stunned by the revelation, though an insider said that there had been no rumors of an affair involving Shell.

“Barely anybody knew there was even an investigation,” said the insider, “and even fewer knew there had actually been an affair.”

It’s believed Shell and Gamble began their affair before he was named CEO, with another source adding that he didn’t seem like the type of person to get involved in a workplace affair.

“He was always very respectful, and respectful of women in particular,” added a staffer.

The report added that they aren’t even sure when the duo may have met given she is based in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.

Some speculated that it may have come at the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland given it is a major event for CNBC. Shell attended the event on at least one occasion, back in 2013.

A replacement for Shell has not yet been named. He is married to Laury Fay Shell, and according to an NBCUni insider, they have two children.