Gay HBO Exec
Fired?

Carolyn Strauss, HBO's openly gay top entertainment executive, has left her post at the pay cable network.

Strauss is departing her job as entertainment president, where she oversaw development and production on series, shortform series, specials, and late-night programs, Variety reported Monday. Strauss will still remain with the company -- which is owned by the Time Warner media behemoth -- in an as-of-yet undetermined capacity.

According to Variety, HBO previously asked Strauss to bring in a top development lieutenant, which she did not do. It's not clear whether this factored into Strauss's leaving her post, which the network is now looking to fill.

Strauss was an instrumental part of the network, spearheading iconic -- and gay-friendly -- shows like Sex and the City, The Sopranos, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Entourage, and Six Feet Under. Pressure has been on the network to find another "watercooler" show, which hasn't materialized.

"No one has made a more significant contribution to the success of HBO than Carolyn," said HBO copresident Richard Plepler in a statement. "We are truly delighted that she will continue to be a part of the HBO family. We cannot imagine HBO without her, and we are thrilled that we will continue to have the benefit of her judgment and unique talent."

HBO has weathered much recently. Network president Chris Albrecht was fired after he was allegedly involved in a physical altercation with a woman in Las Vegas. The incident came 16 years after Albrecht had been accused of physically assaulting a coworker with whom he was having an affair. (The Advocate)