'Tavis Smiley' talk show suspended by PBS amid misconduct allegations

While a statement from a PBS spokesperson did not say what sort of misconduct was alleged, "PBS News Hour," on its website, said the allegations against Tavis Smiley involved "sexual misconduct."

In this April 27, 2016, file photo, Tavis Smiley appears at the 33rd annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards in Los Angeles. PBS says it has suspended distribution of Smiley’s talk show after an independent investigation uncovered “multiple, credible allegations” of misconduct by its host.Read moreRich Fury / Invision / AP, File

by Samantha Schmidt, Washington Post

Published Dec. 13, 2017, 9:58 p.m. ET

PBS is "indefinitely" suspending distribution of the late-night talk show Tavis Smiley after multiple misconduct allegations emerged against the show's 53-year-old host, PBS announced Wednesday.

While a statement from a PBS spokesperson did not say what sort of misconduct was alleged, PBS News Hour, on its website, said the allegations involved "sexual misconduct."

"PBS engaged an outside law firm to conduct an investigation immediately after learning of troubling allegations regarding Mr. Smiley," a PBS spokesperson said.

"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.

The news was first reported by Variety on Wednesday afternoon.

The Tavis Smiley show is produced by independent production company TS Media. While PBS has been airing the series since 2004, it does not employ Smiley or his staff.

Smiley did not immediately respond to a request for comment.