TV

Tavis Smiley: 'PBS Made A Huge Mistake'

The talk show host pushed back against allegations of sexual misconduct during an interview with ABC's "Good Morning America" Monday.

Tavis Smiley: 'PBS Made A Huge Mistake'
Getty Images
Article by Katherine Biek
SMS
December 18, 2017

Talk show host Tavis Smiley pushed back against allegations of sexual misconduct Monday during an interview with ABC's "Good Morning America."

It was his first live interview since PBS suspended its distribution of Smiley's nightly show last Wednesday. The public broadcaster said an investigation had "uncovered multiple, credible allegations" against Smiley. 

Smiley admitted to ABC's Paula Faris that he's had consensual relationships with co-workers in the past. 

"In our employee handbook, while we do not encourage office relationships, we don't forbid them, either. And we don't forbid them, Paula, because I don't know where your heart is going to lead you," Smiley said. 

Smiley remained harshly critical of PBS, saying it "made a big mistake." The host alleges PBS investigators only met with him after he threatened a lawsuit.

The "Tavis Smiley" show aired on PBS for 14 seasons.