PBS Suspends distribution of Tavis Smiley’s show following sexual misconduct investigation

PBS has hired a firm to oversee an investigation into Smiley’s behavior

Luther Vandross was outed as gay after his death.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — PBS said Wednesday it has indefinitely suspended distribution of Tavis Smiley’s talk show after an independent investigation uncovered “multiple, credible allegations” of misconduct by its host.

PBS said it had engaged an outside law firm to investigate “troubling allegations” against the host, it said in a statement.

“This investigation included interviews with witnesses as well as with Mr. Smiley,” the statement said. “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.”

A representative for PBS declined to specify the nature of the allegations against Smiley.

His nightly program has aired on PBS since 2004.

Representatives for Smiley did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

 

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