PBS suspends distribution of Smiley show for misconduct

PBS said Wednesday it has indefinitely suspended distribution of Tavis Smiley’s talk show after an independent investigation uncovered ‘multiple, credible allegations’ of misconduct by its host.

PBS said it had engaged an outside law firm to investigate ‘troubling allegations’ against the host, it said in a statement.

‘This investigation included interviews with witnesses as well as with Mr. Smiley,’ the statement said. ‘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.’

PBS said Wednesday it has indefinitely suspended distribution of Smiley’s show following misconduct allegations 

A representative for PBS declined to specify the nature of the allegations against Smiley.

Representatives for Smiley did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

His nightly program has aired on PBS since 2004. Smiley, 53, has spent decades in the public eye as a radio commentator, TV talk show host and author.

The announcement comes just one month after PBS sacked long-time talk show host Charlie Rose

The announcement comes just one month after PBS sacked long-time talk show host Charlie Rose

Smiley, whose half-hour television show ‘Tavis Smiley’ is distributed by PBS but produced by his company TS Media, is not an employee of the Public Broadcasting Service.

Born in Gulfport, Mississippi, Smiley is known for tackling issues on race, social justice and poverty among others. 

In 2002, Smiley became the black man to host a show on NPR and enjoyed short-lived stints hosting programs on ABC News and CNN. 

The announcement comes just one month after PBS sacked long-time talk show host Charlie Rose over sexual misconduct allegations. 

The newsman is accused of groping, lewd telephone calls and walking around naked in front of women, with at least 13 going public with their accusations. 

On November 21, Rose issued a statement saying he did not believe all the allegations were accurate, but did not deny any wrongdoing.

A representative for PBS declined to specify the nature of the allegations against Smiley

A representative for PBS declined to specify the nature of the allegations against Smiley

 



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