Tavis Smiley was accused of sexual misconduct in December. (Photo by Earl Gibson III/Getty Images)
PBS has hit back at former network host Tavis Smiley over allegations of workplace sexual misconduct.
In documents filed at a Washington, D.C. court Friday, March 23, TMZ reported PBS alleges Smiley has engaged in sexual misconduct for years. The suit, which follows Smiley’s filing against the public broadcaster in February, says PBS discovered the 53-year-old had several sexual encounters with underlings, made unwanted sexual advances on them and commented on subordinates’ bodies.
He allegedly told a woman that he “would like to see her on her back more often” and is said to have admitted he “may” have sent pornographic images to colleagues.
In response to PBS’ suit, Smiley’s spokesperson told TheWrap it’s filled with nothing but “More lies, half-truths and smears from PBS from an ‘investigation ‘ that never should have happened, with a result that was decided well before the inquiry was even begun.
“We look forward to the full truth coming out in court,” the spokesperson added.
Smiley had filed a suit against his former home network in February in which he alleged his firing from PBS, which occurred after the allegations surfaced in December, was racially motivated.
“I’ve spent the bulk of my career in public media, so filing a lawsuit against PBS was the last thing I wanted to do,” he told The Washington Post last month. “But litigation seems to be the only way to get at the truth.”
At the time, PBS dismissed his remarks as “meritless.”
