Entertainment

Tavis Smiley Says PBS Denied Him Due Process [VIDEO]

Katie Jerkovich Entertainment Reporter
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Host Tavis Smiley said early Thursday that PBS “refused to provide me any semblance of due process” during its investigation of sexual misconduct against him.

He denied that he has groped, exposed himself or coerced any colleague during his career.

“I have the utmost respect for all women, and I certainly celebrate the courage of those who have come forth as of late to share their own truth,” Smiley said in a video posted to Facebook and Twitter. (RELATED: PBS Host Tavis Smiley Suspended Over Sexual Misconduct)

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“Let me also assure you, that I have never groped, inappropriately exposed myself, or coerced any colleague in the workplace ever in my 30-year career,” he added.

Smiley said PBS never notified him of the “so-called investigation” into what the network described as “multiple, credible allegations.”

In addition, the talk show host said PBS investigators “refused to talk to any of my current staffers, refused to give me the names of any accusers, and refused to provide me any semblance of due process.”

“It is clear that this has gone too far, and, I, for one, intend to fight back,” Smiley explained. “PBS over-reacted, and they launched a sloppy investigation.”

“If having a consensual relationship with a colleague years ago is the stuff that leads to this kind of public humiliation and personal destruction, heaven help us,” he wrote on Facebook. “It’s time for a real conversation in America, so men and women know how to engage in the workplace. I look forward to actively participating in that conversation.”