Posted on 12/14/2017 9:39:47 AM PST by Red Badger
PBS has suspended its distribution of “Tavis Smiley” after “multiple, credible allegations” of misconduct against the late-night show’s eponymous host.
Variety first reported the news that an investigation “found credible allegations that Smiley had engaged in sexual relationships with multiple subordinates” and that some feared “their employment status was linked to the status of a sexual relationship with Smiley.”
But Smiley, in a text and video statement posted on Facebook later that night, said PBS had gone too far.
“I have the utmost respect for women and celebrate the courage of those who have come forth to tell their truth. To be clear, I have never groped, coerced, or exposed myself inappropriately to any workplace colleague in my entire broadcast career, covering 6 networks over 30 years,” he said in the statement.
“Put simply, PBS overreacted and conducted a biased and sloppy investigation, which led to a rush to judgment, and trampling on a reputation that I have spent an entire lifetime trying to establish.”
A PBS spokeswoman said that the company hired an outside law firm to investigate “troubling allegations” about the 53-year-old television personality and author.
READ MORE: The growing list of men accused of sexual misconduct after Weinstein
Here is the full statement from PBS: “Effective today, PBS has indefinitely suspended distribution of ‘Tavis Smiley,’ produced by TS Media, an independent production company. PBS engaged an outside law firm to conduct an investigation immediately after learning of troubling allegations regarding Mr. Smiley. This investigation included interviews with witnesses as well as with Mr. Smiley. The inquiry uncovered multiple, credible allegations of conduct that is inconsistent with the values and standards of PBS, and the totality of this information led to today’s decision.”
The decision comes less than a month after PBS decided to cut ties with journalist Charlie Rose, after eight women — who worked for or were trying to gain employment on Rose’s television show — told the Washington Post that the longtime television host had groped them, made lewd remarks and initiated other unwanted sexual advances over the course of several decades. CBS also suspended Rose from his roles on “CBS This Morning” and “60 Minutes.”
“PBS expects all the producers we work with to provide a workplace where people feel safe and are treated with dignity and respect,” a spokesperson told PBS NewsHour at the time.
Editor’s note: The first paragraph and headline of this story has been edited from an earlier version. The word “sexual” has been removed to reflect that the PBS NewsHour has not independently confirmed the allegations are sexual in nature.
Tavis Smiley now: “I dindu nuffin.”
It is wildly entertaining to watch liberals, those folks who baselessly accused Republicans of a war on women, taken down by women.
I can’t tell you how much I enjoy this.
#MeToo!...........................It’s like a Schadenfreude Christmas!.....................
I know there are people who think that Pervnado is just battlespace preparation for an assault on Trump. Maybe it started that way but it has gotten completely out of the Left's control and is ripping through the institutions of the Democratic Party.
I am shocked to discover pbs had “standards and values”
He could be accused by men.
This is the new mantra of the left. It results in guilt by tabloid.
It won’t get completely out of left’s control, as long as left control the media and education system.
I'd sooner watch Andy Cohen's stupid grin for 30 minutes than 30 seconds of Tavis Smiley.
I grudgingly agree that I’m enjoying it, but I do feel bad that while there are some blowing these incidents out of proportion, there are some women who are feeling legitimately victimized.
PBS and NPR completely destroyed in the #metoo movement. Just incredible stuff. One of the indicator traits of these harrassers is a smug sense of superiority, so that it’s rampant in public broadcasting is not surprising.
“I grudgingly agree that I’m enjoying it, but ... “
In the liberal mind, there is no “blowing it out of proportion”. Women who feel they were mistreated, were mistreated, because all men are potential rapists. To watch liberals get grinded up by this thing they support, it’s pure enjoyment.
As for the women who were legitimately harassed, or worse, it’s awesome to see them get their due. Those who have power, and use that power to coerce sexual favors are scum, and it’s enjoyable to see them taken down too.
The only downside in all this is the few innocents caught up in the wave of #metoo. But, I haven’t seen any innocents yet.
As a general rule I’m not impressed with TV preachers!!!
Evidently I’m confusing him with some one else....nevermind!!!!
“PBS host and author Tavis Smiley says racism, sexism and classism received the “GOP seal of approval” in last night’s election of Donald Trump.”
Hoisted by his own petard.
Karma.....................
I don’t understand. If you are a rich, powerful, famous man, shouldn’t getting some be really easy?
I know plenty of men, who barely have any money, power, and are not famous and have no problem getting some WITHOUT crossing work lines or doing anything considered sexual harassment.
If you know what you are doing, you don’t have to coerce anybody.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.