Tavis Smiley, who was recently called out by PBS over “troubling allegations” about his conduct, staunchly defended his behavior and his integrity Monday and upbraided the network that suspended the distribution of his show.
“I have never groped. I have never coerced or exposed myself to anyone inappropriately,” he told ABC’s “Good Morning America” in an exclusive interview.
“I celebrate and applaud the women that came out and told the truth and lead us to create healthy workspaces. At the same time, I want to make sure we don’t lose all proportionality in this because if we do, people end up guilty by accusation.”
Smiley, 53, is a longtime radio commentator, TV talk show host and author. His 30-minute interview show, “Tavis Smiley,” has aired weeknights on PBS since 2004. He is now one of a growing list of public figures facing misconduct allegations.
PBS suspended distribution of “Tavis Smiley” last week amid “troubling allegations” against the news show’s namesake host.
The organization said it had hired an outside law firm to handle an investigation into the matter “following receipt of a complaint.”
“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,” the statement said.
Smiley quickly responded, saying “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.”
PBS is the distributor for Smiley’s show, but it’s produced by TS Media, Smiley’s production company. Smiley is not employed by PBS.
Smiley said he understands and respects the view of people who see consensual sexual relationships in the workplace as wrong. “But there are other points of view on this,” he said.
“In our employee handbook, while we do not encourage office relationships, we don’t forbid them either and don’t forbid them because I don’t know where your heart will lead you or who you will hang out with or date. Many met their spouses at work,” he said.
On Monday, he said he’ll “do anything to protect” his reputation. When asked whether he would go back if PBS later allows it, he said he didn’t know.
“PBS made a huge mistake. They need to fix this. They need to correct this. But I don’t know the answer.”