Celebrity News

Tavis Smiley Sues PBS for Discrimination
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (No Ratings Yet)
Loading...

Tavis Smiley

Summary: After being fired a few months ago for sexual misconduct, Tavis Smiley alleges that the PBS was “biased” against him.

PBS fired Tavis Smiley after an investigation confirmed that the TV host had a history of sexual misconduct. Smiley is fighting back, filing a lawsuit against PBS alleging the investigation was “biased,” according to Us Weekly.

  
What
Where


The lawsuit was filed in Washington D.C.’s superior court. Smiley, 53, claims, “PBS was prepared to make its decision to suspend distribution of the show without interviewing Mr. Smiley and providing him with an opportunity to respond to specific allegations.” The investigation was conducted “in violation of norms and procedures for conducting workplace investigations.”

The lawsuit further alleges that “PBS has acted in a racially hostile manner” towards Smiley for countless years, pointing out that he is “the only person of color to have served as the solo host of a daily national show in the history of PBS.”

PBS shot back, stating in a statement to Us, “Today’s meritless lawsuit is yet another example of Tavis Smiley’s attempts to distract the public from his pattern of sexual misconduct in the workplace. As PBS has consistently stated, following receipt of a complaint alleging inappropriate conduct by Mr. Smiley, PBS hired an independent law firm to conduct an investigation. The ongoing investigation, which included a lengthy interview with Mr. Smiley, revealed that he had multiple sexual encounters with subordinates over many years and yielded credible allegations of additional misconduct inconsistent with the values and standards of PBS. That is what led PBS to the decision to indefinitely suspend distribution of Mr. Smiley’s program. The notion that PBS’ decision to suspend distribution of the program was made for any reason aside from Mr. Smiley’s own behavior is ridiculous and false.”

Get JD Journal in Your Mail

Subscribe to our FREE daily news alerts and get the latest updates on the most happening events in the legal, business, and celebrity world. You also get your daily dose of humor and entertainment!!




Smiley’s late-night talk show in December was suspended by PBS when they received “multiple, credible allegations” of sexual harassment by Smiley. He denies any wrongdoing, stating in a December Facebook post, “I have never groped, coerced or exposed myself inappropriately to any workplace colleague in my entire broadcast career, covering 6 networks over 30 years. … If having a consensual relationship with a colleague years ago is the stuff that leads to this kind of public humiliation and personal destruction, heaven help us.”

Do you think it is possible that men don’t realize some of their actions are not appropriate? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.



To learn more about famous people accused of sexual misconduct, read these articles:

Source: Us Weekly

Photo: flickr.com



 

RELEVANT JOBS

Associate Attorney

USA-PA-Exton

ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY McKenna Snyder LLC, a law firm in Exton, PA has an immediate opening for an ex...

Apply now

Attorney

USA-MI-Sturgis

Qualifications: HaasCaywood is seeking associate attorneys for our Coldwater and Sturgis, Michiga...

Apply now

Attorney

USA-MI-Coldwater

Qualifications: HaasCaywood is seeking associate attorneys for our Coldwater and Sturgis, Michiga...

Apply now

Deputy General Counsel / Senior Deputy General Counsel

USA-CA-Sacramento

Cal Cities Culture and Mission Cal Cities is dedicated to creating a collaborative and inclusive ...

Apply now

BCG FEATURED JOB

Locations:

Keyword:



Search Now

Education Law Attorney

USA-CA-El Segundo

El Segundo office of a BCG Attorney Search Top Ranked Law Firm seeks an education law attorney with ...

Apply Now

Education Law Attorney

USA-CA-Carlsbad

Carlsbad office of a BCG Attorney Search Top Ranked Law Firm seeks an education law attorney with 4-...

Apply Now

Education Law and Public Entity Attorney

USA-CA-El Segundo

El Segundo office of a BCG Attorney Search Top Ranked Law Firm seeks an education law and public ent...

Apply Now

Most Popular

SEARCH IN ARCHIVE

To Top