BOSTON — The host of one of National Public Radio's most successful programs has been placed on leave while he's investigated for allegations of wrongdoing including engaging in "creepy" sex talks and unwanted contact with 11 mostly young women and men.

The allegations against "On Point" host Tom Ashbrook include unwanted hugs and neck and back rubs to other people associated with the show. They were contained in a document and confirmed in multiple interviews by WBUR-FM, the Boston station that produces the show.

The station and station owner Boston University have hired an outside firm to investigate.

Ashbrook was put on leave last week. He says "once the facts come out" people will see him for who he is — "flawed but caring and decent" in his dealings with others.

"On Point" is carried by more than 290 NPR stations.

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This story has been corrected to show Ashbrook has been placed on leave, not suspended; the station is not calling the allegations sexual misconduct; and the station and ownership, not the network, are investigating.

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Information from: WBUR-FM, http://www.wbur.org