Stay Connected
Atlanta Black Star/Politics/National
NationalNewsPolitics

Obama Dragged Into News Of Tavis Smiley’s PBS Show Suspension 

Posted byBy Tracy | Published on: CommentsComments (0)
Tavis Smiley sexual misconduct

Tavis Smiley (Facebook)

It’s no secret that Tavis Smiley wasn’t a huge supporter of former President Obama. Smiley has now been thrusted into the growing sexual harassment scandal that’s overtaking Hollywood and other industries with his own scandal. The radio commentator’s quagmire is causing many on social media to remind him of his contempt for the former president.

In a statement obtained by Variety, PBS announced the decision to indefinitely suspend Smiley’s late-night talk show “Tavis Smiley.”

“Effective today, PBS has indefinitely suspended distribution of ‘Tavis Smiley,’ produced by TS Media, an independent production company,” read the statement.

According to Variety, “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 with 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.”

Sources told the publication that witnesses stated that Smiley created a “verbally abusive and threatening environment.” Adding that the employees felt their jobs were tied to engaging in a sexual relationship with Smiley. PBS reportedly hired an outside law firm to conduct the investigation.

While Smiley has remained quiet on the allegations, Black Twitter couldn’t maintain its collective glee.

https://twitter.com/TraceyQuarles/status/941134368222916608

 

 

Independent journalism doesn't fund itself.

We hope this story was worth your time. For over 14 years, Atlanta Black Star has stayed Black-owned and independently run. We didn't get here by waiting on ad budgets that were never built to prioritize us. Our readers did that.

Corporate support for Black media has always been thin. Outlets like ours get roughly 1% of the $170 billion spent on U.S. advertising each year, and that margin is shrinking further as advertisers walk back the DEI-linked commitments they made in 2020. That's the backdrop. It's not why we're asking.

We know a request for support isn't why you came here. But without readers choosing to fund this work directly, the depth of reporting we can do at home and abroad shrinks along with everyone else's. If you're not in a position to give, that doesn't change how much we value you as a reader.

If you are able to, a recurring contribution does more for us than a single one-time gift, because it lets us plan the next investigation instead of just the next invoice. It takes about 30 seconds, no long form, no account. Thank you for continuing to support independent journalism and freedom of the press.

Give once Give monthly Support another way

Related Stories

Back to top