Tavis Smiley not smiling now

His signature smile

PBS has indefinitely suspended late-night talk show "Tavis Smiley" after misconduct allegations were made against Smiley. 

PBS stated: "Effective today, PBS has indefinitely suspended distribution of 'Tavis Smiley,' produced by TS Media, an independent production company. 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 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."

The law firm hired by PBS, MSK, took reports from ten witnesses, including a mix of men and women of different races and levels of employment in Smiley's organization, most being former staffers.

The investigation found credible allegations in which Smiley engaged in sexual relationships with a significant number of subordinates. Some of the interviewees expressed concern that their employment status was linked to the status of a sexual relationship with Smiley.

Overall, Smiley was depicted as a verbally abusive and threatening boss in a workplace that went well beyond what is expected in a typical high-pressure workplace. Several witnesses also expressed worry about possible retaliation.

Smiley hosted "Tavis Smiley," a half-hour interview program that aired weeknights on PBS member stations since 2004. The show was filmed in Los Angeles and was shown in major U.S. cities. While PBS distribued the series, it did not employ Smiley or any of his staff.

The show was underwritten by such sponsors as Wal-Mart and has received four NAACP Image Awards.

In a February article in the Observer, Jacques Hyzagi, a former TV producer for Smiley's show, wrote that Smiley's "misogyny is always creeping around, barely camouflaged by Midwestern good manners."

Hyzagi wrote about how Smiley would pick up a woman at the Orlando airport and bring her along on a reporting trip as a "f**k buddy." He also alleged that Smiley had a romantic relationship with another producer.

So another one bites the dust.


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