Bloomberg Says He's "Entitled" To Check in on Bloomberg Business

I just asked Mayor Michael Bloomberg about allegations that he is still involved in the running of his company Bloomberg, L.P., which is the subject of a multi-million dollar law suit in which pregnant employees allege that a "hostile environment exists for women at Bloomberg."

Bloomberg, speaking at a press conference in the Bronx, said that as the company's majority share holder, he has the right to check in with executives and does so regularly.

"I'm not involved in the day to day operations," said Bloomberg. "Never have been. I don't have the time to do it. Don't have the inclination to do it. But I am the majority owner and I'm absolutely entitled to talk to the senior people and know what's going on. And I will continue to do that."

When asked to elaborate on his level of involvement with the company, Bloomberg said, "I know what's going on. Any major decision, I'm a major stock holder in the company." He added, "Nobody makes a major decision in terms of product changes, or things of that nature."

UPDATE: Here is a fuller reporting of what Bloomberg said today about the lawsuit:

"Look, I'm not going to dignify these lawsuits, these allegations with a response. I just expect that the company will vigorously defend these lawsuits. I'm proud of Bloomberg, L.P. and the success that it has had. I'm proud of the work environment. It is a generous company. It is a family-friendly company with a record of progressive benefits for women."

He added, "I'm proud of it and no allegations are going to change that. In terms of my involvement with the company I'm not involved in the day to day operations. I never have been. I don't have the time to do it, don't have the inclination to do it. But I am the majority owner and am absolutely entitled to talk to the senior people and know what's going on and I will continue to do that. I've been doing it since I became mayor. I cleared it with the Conflict of Interest board, and they made it clear that it doesn't conflict with my duties as mayor. I just don't get involved with day to day operations I don't get involved with personnel."

"I left the company in their hands and they're doing an outstanding job," he continued. "They certainly told me that somebody had an allegation and that they were going to vigorously defend it."