Sexual assault push back: What do Philadelphia men think?

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (WTXF) - The majority of the powerful media, entertainment and sports figures accused of sexual misconduct have admitted to at least some of the gory details. But when the New Yorker magazine fired its longtime political writer Ryan Lizza for "improper sexual conduct, he fired back.

In a statement responding to his firing, Ryan Lizza called his relationship with his unnamed female accuser "respectful," claimed he did not violate company policy, said the firing came "without a full investigation of the relevant facts," and was a "terrible mistake."

This led us to ask, especially of men out there: are we now too quick to end careers based on accusations?

"I do fear that the pendulum has gone the other way and now we're jumping and convicting people on nothing but here say," said one man in Philadelphia.

"I see a lot of people stepping down before any investigation is done or anything conclusive comes out," said another man.

Employment attorney Amy Feldman specializes in sexual harassment cases. She says a tidal wave of allegations from newly empowered women has changed how we interact.

"Actually, I've heard it from men, who are saying, 'I don't even know whether I am allowed to say 'hi' or high-five or give a hug to people I've always given a hug to in the past. Now I'm just afraid,'" said Feldman.

Feldman says sexual misconduct ranging from boorish comments to physical assault must be investigated with both the accuser and the accused in mind.

"Without due process for everybody involved, we have a real concern that people will get fired at the drop of a hat, or otherwise frozen out," said Feldman, FOX 29's Bruce Gordon asked, "Just to kind of make things go away.?" "Exactly right," answered Feldman.

As for those men now afraid of having what they view as an innocent comment or gesture misinterpreted?

Feldman says to watch and listen.

"What are her non-verbal cues? What are her verbal cues? What is she saying to you, because you don't want to be creepy guy in the office. Think about it before you just reach in for a hug or a kiss."