The Age newspaper editor-in-chief stood down after sexual harassment allegation.

The Age editor-in-chief Mark Forbes has been stood down after a sexual harassment allegation was levelled against him.

The Melbourne newspaper’s publisher, Fairfax Media, confirmed Mr Forbes was ordered to leave his position while investigation into the allegation was underway.

“Mark Forbes has been stood down pending the outcome of an investigation that is underway,” the company said in a statement released on Friday.

“Fairfax is committed to a safe workplace and has zero tolerance for any behaviour that does not meet the highest standards.”

The company said the current editor, Alex Lavelle, will oversee the newsroom in Mr Forbes’ absence.

The Australian has reported that the sexual harrassment claim refers to “alleged incident that took place at an event linked to recent The Age Music Victoria Awards”.

Mr Forbes has acted in the top job at the newspaper since February, taking over from Andrew Holden. He was officially named the editor-in-chief in April.

He has worked in various roles within Fairfax Media since he began his cadetship there in 1985.

He has also worked for the Seven Network and for ABC’s current affairs program Four Corners.

Feature image: Twitter.