Ex-talk show host Tavis Smiley sued PBS after his dismissal but has not only lost in court, he's been ordered to pay nearly $1.5 million to his former network, which countersued him. It's the apparent end of a lengthy court battle that arose in 2017 over allegations of sexual misconduct by Smiley in the workplace.
Smiley was suspended and later let go from his job after several women appeared in court with claims of misconduct, according to Fox News.
Smiley retaliated by slapping PBS with a lawsuit seeking $1 million, declaring that he was wrongly terminated, partially due to racial bias. He also argued that there was no proof that the allegations against him were true.
Smiley admitted to having relationships with colleagues, all of which he said were consensual, over the years, but network policies prohibit employees from any romantic relations.
PBS countersued on claims that the talk show host, who appeared on more than 200 stations nationwide, owed the network money for a season that did not air due to his immediate termination.
The network praised the jury's decision.
"PBS expects our producing partners to provide a workplace where people feel safe and are treated with dignity and respect," the network said in a statement cited by Fox News. "It was important for us to ensure that the courageous women who came forward were able to share their stories and that we continue to uphold the values and standards of our organization."
Smiley's attorneys said they were "disappointed in the jury's verdict" and would appeal.
The allegations of sexual misconduct came at the height of the #MeToo movement. Smiley's fellow talk show host Charlie Rose was another public figure felled by similar allegations in 2017.
Eight women, who all worked for Rose or tried to work for him, accused the veteran newsman of groping them, walking naked in front of them, and telling one that he dreamed about her swimming nude.
Rose released a statement apologizing for his behavior, which he was "deeply embarrassed" about.
Zoe Papadakis ✉
Zoe Papadakis is a Newsmax writer based in South Africa with two decades of experience specializing in media and entertainment. She has been in the news industry as a reporter, writer and editor for newspapers, magazine and websites.
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