PBS has cancelled late-night talk show Tavis Smiley amid claims of sexual misconduct against the host.
Per Variety:
The decision comes after the public broadcaster conducted an investigation into Smiley and found “credible allegations” of inappropriate behavior.
“Effective today, PBS has indefinitely suspended distribution of Tavis Smiley, produced by TS Media, an independent production company,” a PBS spokesperson said in a statement Wednesday. “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.”
What do you think of the decision?
Carole Estrup says
Why is PBS being so vague about the allegations? No women’s names; none of them speaking out in public about what he did and when. I am pro #ME too, and want all guilty parties to be exposed and held accountable, but the secrecy of Tavis Smiley’s cancellation is troubling. It was one of my favorite shows.
Jay says
I was never a fan of his anyway. He always came across as “I’m better than you” (the viewers). I’m all for revealing as much detail as possible & HATE that people, especially celebs, can hide behind a curtain of secrecy. However, from what I’ve read, I think it’s pretty clear that there was plenty of credible evidence.
Bronco46 says
Not a fan of this show. I disagree with almost everything he stands for. That being said, his dismissal is ridiculous. Very few of the men caught up in this foundling witch hunt have issue that rise to the level where firing is the answer. John Conyers Yes. Harvey Winestine definitely. Matt Lauer, also needs to go.
But this crazy witch hunt like all witch hunts has gone way beyond reason. Taking a man’s career away from him for something like is just wrong. And in many cases we’ve lost talented men. Tavis does not share my politics. But he’s being punished without even knowing his accusers much less getting due process.
Bronco46 says
Not a fan of this show. I disagree with almost everything he stands for. That being said, his dismissal is ridiculous. Very few of the men caught up in this witch hunt have issues that rise to the level where firing is the answer. John Conyers Yes. Harvey Winestine definitely. Matt Lauer, also needs to go.
But this crazy witch hunt like all witch hunts has gone way beyond reason. Taking a man’s career away from him for something like is just wrong. And in many cases. We’ve lost talented men. Tavis does not share my politics. But he’s being punished, like most of these men, without even knowing his accusers much less getting due process.