“In light of the recent allegations,” they company will be “suspending our relationship with” Tavis Smiley, reads a statement
Twitter
The news keeps getting worse for PBS host Tavis Smiley.
Just days after the network suspended him amid allegations of groping and exposing himself, Smiley was also dropped by Mills Entertainment, which had been promoting and producing his theatrical retelling of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“We take seriously the allegations,” the company said in a statement, adding that “in light of the recent allegations,” they would be “suspending our relationship with” Smiley.
Also Read: Tavis Smiley Blasts PBS for ‘So-Called Investigation’ Prompting Show Suspension: ‘This Has Gone Too Far’
The news was first reported by the Associated Press .
The production, “Death of a King: A Live Theatrical Experience,” would have taken Smiley to 40 different cities.
Meanwhile, Smiley has strenuously denied all the allegations against him.
“I have the utmost respect for all women and I certainly celebrate the courage of those women who have come forth of late to share their own truth, but let me also assure you that I have never groped, inappropriately exposed myself or coerced any colleague ever in my 30 year career,” he said in a defiant statement posted to Twitter on Thursday.
“It is clear that this has gone too far and I, for one, intend to fight back.”
My response to PBS suspension full text here: https://t.co/SzcQLfQWeX pic.twitter.com/8KX2QIr59B
— Tavis Smiley (@tavissmiley) December 14,2017
Also Read: Tavis Smiley’s PBS Show Pulled From Air Amid ‘Credible’ Misconduct Allegations
Smiley was also given some cover from a surprising source the same day — Fox News. On her program, host Laura Ingraham said she believed his denial.
“I think he is telling the truth,” she said. “I know Tavis Smiley a little bit. I have known him, casual friend for like 20 years.” Ingraham has increasingly positioned herself against the rising tide of the #MeToo movement and defended Democrat Al Franken from his allegations as well.
PBS, however responded with their own statement Thursday, standing by their decision to bench the longtime network staple.
“Following receipt of a complaint, PBS hired an independent law firm to conduct an investigation and we stand by its integrity,” a network spokesperson said. “The totality of the investigation, which included Mr. Smiley, revealed a pattern of multiple relationships with subordinates over many years, and other conduct inconsistent with the values and standards of PBS.”
7 Times Matt Lauer Came Under Fire, From Sexual Harassment Accusations to Ann Curry Ousting (Photos)
Matt Lauer was terminated by NBC News on Wednesday after the company received a complaint of sexual harassment against him. But that’s not the first time the longtime “Today” host found himself in hot water. Getty Images
Rumors of extramarital affairs dogged Lauer during his tenure on “Today,” with tabloid reports linking him to other members of the show, including Natalie Morales. In 2010, NBC News finally responded to the allegations, calling them “completely inaccurate and unfounded” and “reckless and harmful to the Lauer family.” Getty Images
Ann Curry was ousted from “Today” in 2012 as the show was losing ground to ABC’s “Good Morning America,” and after she issued a tearful on-air goodbye Lauer was widely viewed as the reason for her departure. New York Magazine later reported that the two had a tense off-camera relationship, and though Curry took the fall, Lauer was more to blame for the show’s declining viewership. NBC
In 2012, Lauer was criticized for asking Anne Hathaway about an upskirt photo taken at the premiere of “Les Miserables” and attempting to make a joke of the situation by saying he’d “seen a lot of you lately.” Hathaway was praised for how she handled the situation, gently shutting down the line of questioning by saying it was unfortunate that the culture “commodifies sexuality of unwilling participants.” Getty Images
In 2006, Lauer’s wife Annette Roque filed for divorce, alleging that she suffered “cruel and inhumane” treatment at the hands of her controlling husband. The two eventually reconciled and Roque, who was pregnant at the time, withdrew the paperwork, but the documents were obtained and published by the National Enquirer in 2014. Getty Images
Lauer’s former co-anchor Katie Couric joked about his behavior in a 2012 interview with Andy Cohen. “He pinches me on the ass a lot,” she said, calling it Lauer’s most annoying habit. Video of the interview, which was handled jokingly at the time, was recirculated following his termination for a sexual misconduct allegation. Getty Images
Lauer moderated a pair of NBC News town halls during the 2016 presidential election, which were widely slammed for the way he questioned the two candidates. Lauer repeatedly asked Hillary Clinton about her email server and rushed past other, more concrete policy issues. Meanwhile, he was perceived to have gone much softer on Donald Trump, failing to press the then-nominee on repeated falsehoods. Getty Images
Lauer was finally axed by NBC News and removed from “Today” in 2017, after the company received a “detailed complaint” from a colleague accusing him of inappropriate sexual behavior. Getty Images Previous Slide Next Slide
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Morning show host was axed following a sexual misconduct allegation by an NBC News colleague
Matt Lauer was terminated by NBC News on Wednesday after the company received a complaint of sexual harassment against him. But that’s not the first time the longtime “Today” host found himself in hot water.
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