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7962

(11,841 posts)
Wed Dec 13, 2017, 11:55 PM Dec 2017

PBS Suspends Tavis Smiley Following Sexual Misconduct Investigation (EXCLUSIVE)

Last edited Thu Dec 14, 2017, 09:51 PM - Edit history (1)

Source: Variety

PBS has suspended late-night talk show “Tavis Smiley” amid misconduct allegations against its host and namesake.

“Effective today, PBS has indefinitely suspended distribution of ‘Tavis Smiley,’ produced by TS Media, an independent production company,” the public broadcaster said. “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.”

Sources close to the production told Variety that PBS hired attorney Sarah Taylor Wirtz of the firm MSK to oversee an investigation into Smiley’s behavior after receiving allegations of misconduct by Smiley, who hosts and produces the talk show. Wirtz declined Variety‘s request for comment. According to sources, MSK took reports from 10 witnesses, a mix of men and women of different races and employment levels in Smiley’s organization, most of them former staffers.

The investigation found credible allegations that Smiley had engaged in sexual relationships with multiple subordinates, sources said. Some witnesses interviewed expressed concern that their employment status was linked to the status of a sexual relationship with Smiley. In general, witnesses described Smiley as creating a verbally abusive and threatening environment that went beyond what could be expected in a typical high-pressure work environment. Several expressed concerns about retaliation.

Read more: http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/tavis-smiley-pbs-1202639424/



The numbers are growing.
This year may finally be a turning point for the rich and powerful no longer getting away with this & people feeling secure enough to speak out.

ETA: changed my comment to "people" from "women", since all are subject to being victimized.
21 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
PBS Suspends Tavis Smiley Following Sexual Misconduct Investigation (EXCLUSIVE) (Original Post) 7962 Dec 2017 OP
Oh my MFM008 Dec 2017 #1
I used to watch his show so often alp227 Dec 2017 #2
Another From PBS? SoCalMusicLover Dec 2017 #3
NOT shocked ... LenaBaby61 Dec 2017 #4
Never cared for him burrowowl Dec 2017 #5
Surprising for someone who holds others to such high standards. n/t Tarheel_Dem Dec 2017 #6
yup JI7 Dec 2017 #11
I hate to sound mean DonCoquixote Dec 2017 #7
His show was on one of the DC area PBS channels a bit ago; elleng Dec 2017 #8
Aw, geez. Another one? I liked his show. Honeycombe8 Dec 2017 #9
I know! I had never heard anything negative about him. This is a total surprise. diva77 Dec 2017 #10
He is fervently denying the accusations oberliner Dec 2017 #12
I continue to focus along the lines of Due Process should be Primary. FarPoint Dec 2017 #13
What do you mean by due process in this case? MichMan Dec 2017 #14
Trial by Media... FarPoint Dec 2017 #16
What should PBS have done differently? MichMan Dec 2017 #17
I don't have all the answers... FarPoint Dec 2017 #18
Which court is denying him state-obligated due process? LanternWaste Dec 2017 #15
One thing on your comment DemRage Dec 2017 #19
Amen. I'll edit to say "people". 7962 Dec 2017 #20
Thank you. DemRage Dec 2017 #21

DonCoquixote

(13,616 posts)
7. I hate to sound mean
Thu Dec 14, 2017, 12:46 AM
Dec 2017

Especially as there are few media voices that can and do speak as a Black Voice, but frankly, Tavis acted so nasty that sooner or later, someone was bound to tell on him.

elleng

(130,966 posts)
8. His show was on one of the DC area PBS channels a bit ago;
Thu Dec 14, 2017, 01:16 AM
Dec 2017

seems they're having problems juggling. No surprise.

FarPoint

(12,409 posts)
13. I continue to focus along the lines of Due Process should be Primary.
Thu Dec 14, 2017, 08:03 AM
Dec 2017

I remain uncomfortable with accusations without validation to evoke consequences.

MichMan

(11,932 posts)
14. What do you mean by due process in this case?
Thu Dec 14, 2017, 09:39 AM
Dec 2017

He is an entertainer on a TV show. If an employer finds cause to sever the relationship they can do so. Sounds like they found the accusers credible enough to act after they investigated and did give due process.

It's not like you can only be fired after being convicted in a court of law. Every single place I have been employed at would fire somebody if they did what he is accused of.

FarPoint

(12,409 posts)
16. Trial by Media...
Thu Dec 14, 2017, 12:18 PM
Dec 2017

It's just wrong...yes, we have give employers the right to fire someone even if they fart...

False accusations can also fall into this abyss.

MichMan

(11,932 posts)
17. What should PBS have done differently?
Thu Dec 14, 2017, 12:33 PM
Dec 2017

" The investigation found credible allegations that Smiley had engaged in sexual relationships with multiple subordinates, sources said. Some witnesses interviewed expressed concern that their employment status was linked to the status of a sexual relationship with Smiley. In general, witnesses described Smiley as creating a verbally abusive and threatening environment that went beyond what could be expected in a typical high-pressure work environment. Several expressed concerns about retaliation."

FarPoint

(12,409 posts)
18. I don't have all the answers...
Thu Dec 14, 2017, 12:38 PM
Dec 2017

I know this plan is not good either.... consequences just on subjective claims....I think timely reporting needs to be established with support ...then process and pass judgement accordingly with both parties.

 

LanternWaste

(37,748 posts)
15. Which court is denying him state-obligated due process?
Thu Dec 14, 2017, 10:17 AM
Dec 2017

Which court is denying him state-obligated due process?

 

DemRage

(16 posts)
19. One thing on your comment
Thu Dec 14, 2017, 07:46 PM
Dec 2017

"This year may finally be a turning point for the rich and powerful no longer getting away with this & women feeling secure enough to speak out."

It's not just women that need to finally feel secure. A lot of the Hollywood mess was men doing sexual assualts against other men (like Kevin Spacey). This type of behavior needs to be uprooted, stamped out, and punished by all offenders for all victims.!!

 

7962

(11,841 posts)
20. Amen. I'll edit to say "people".
Thu Dec 14, 2017, 09:49 PM
Dec 2017

because it IS both. And both men and women can be the victimizers as well.

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