HBO’s Albrecht Takes Leave of Absence

Premium Network Chairman to Seek Counseling from Alcoholics Anonymous

By Linda Haugsted -- Multichannel News, May 8, 2007

Las Vegas -- HBO chairman and CEO Chris Albrecht took a leave of absence, beginning Tuesday, in order to seek counseling from Alcoholics Anonymous, the executive said in a memo to co-workers.

Time Warner chairman and CEO Richard Parsons issued a statement that the company granted Albrecht's request for a leave "pending resolution of the police incident" that occurred here Sunday.

"We take these matters very seriously and will monitor this situation closely,” Parsons said.

Albrecht's action was in response to his arrest May 6 on charges that he committed a domestic assault on a woman identified as his girlfriend outside the MGM Grand Hotel here after an HBO-televised boxing match.

"This weekend was a wake-up call to me of a weakness I thought I had overcome long ago. I had been a sober member of Alcoholics Anonymous for 13 years. Two years ago, I decided that I could handle drinking again. Clearly, I was wrong. Given that truth, I have committed myself to sobriety," Albrecht wrote in the memo.

He also apologized for the embarrassment caused to his family and "the company I love." He said leading HBO is a great privilege and "I pray I can continue to do so in a manner that brings honor and pride" to the channel.

"I will not let you down again," the memo concluded.

HBO chief operating officer Bill Nelson will fill in for Albrecht until the issue is resolved, according to Time Warner.

Clark County District Attorney David Roger has yet to decide whether to file charges against Albrecht, according to court information officer Michael Sommermeyer.

Even if the victim decides she doesn't want to prosecute, authorities could pursue a case under Nevada state law, Sommermeyer said. But one of the factors the district attorney would consider when determining whether to pursue a case will be the willingness of the victim to testify.

There are other potential witnesses: According to police, the incident was viewed by casino patrons in the MGM valet parking area, as well as Las Vegas Metropolitan Police officers on site to provide extra security following the boxing match.