PBS Suspends Distribution of Tavis Smiley Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations

Less than a month after severing ties with Charlie Rose over a series of sexual misconduct, PBS has now reportedly suspended another of its longtime late-night lineup fixtures.

According to Variety, PBS has suspended distribution of the independently produced Tavis Smiley show following an internal investigation of sexual misconduct allegations against host Tavis Smiley.

Variety reports that the probe into Smiley’s conduct revealed that the host is alleged to have engaged in sexual relationships with multiple subordinates. According to the article, authored by Daniel Holloway, “some witnesses interviewed expressed concern that their employment status was linked to the status of a sexual relationship with Smiley.”

And PBS confirmed the news:

NEWS: PBS has suspended distribution of "Tavis Smiley" indefinitely, a PBS spokesperson tells NewsHour. "PBS engaged an outside law firm to conduct an investigation immediately after learning of troubling allegations regarding Mr. Smiley," the spokesperson said.

— PBS NewsHour (@NewsHour) December 13, 2017

According to the PBS spokesperson, the investigation — which included interviews with Smiley and others — "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 NewsHour (@NewsHour) December 14, 2017

If the Rose case serves as precedent, this suspension might promptly turn into a cancellation. Rose was suspended by PBS on Nov. 20, and fired just one day later.

[image via screengrab]

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