Actor Robert Blake, a man with a long and complex legacy, has died, a representative for his son-in-law Gregg Hurwitz confirmed to Variety. The former child actor was best known for his Emmy-winning role as the cockatoo-owning undercover cop in the popular 1970s TV series “Baretta” and, more infamously, for his trial following the 2001 murder of his wife. He was 89.
As reported by the Associated Press, Blake died from heart disease on Thursday at his home in Los Angeles.
These two aspects of Blake’s legacy were inseparable in some ways, and the personal turmoil that made the latter at least circumstantially plausible (the case against Blake hinged on motive — he may have wanted to be free of his rocky marriage) fueled his acting.
Blake was acquitted of the murder charge, as well as of one count of soliciting murder, in his criminal trial in 2005, but in a civil trial later that year,...
As reported by the Associated Press, Blake died from heart disease on Thursday at his home in Los Angeles.
These two aspects of Blake’s legacy were inseparable in some ways, and the personal turmoil that made the latter at least circumstantially plausible (the case against Blake hinged on motive — he may have wanted to be free of his rocky marriage) fueled his acting.
Blake was acquitted of the murder charge, as well as of one count of soliciting murder, in his criminal trial in 2005, but in a civil trial later that year,...
- 3/10/2023
- by Carmel Dagan
- Variety Film + TV
Fans, admirers and former colleagues honored broadcast legend Barbara Walters, who died Friday at age 93, hailing her talent and skill as a journalist and the barriers she blew open for women in media over her decades in the business.
“Barbara Walters never flinched when questioning the world’s most powerful people. She held them accountable. She cared about the truth and she made us care too. Fortunately, she inspired many other journalists to be just as unrelenting. We are all better off because of her,” Kareem Abdul-Jabbar wrote.
Moments after the news broke, Oprah Winfrey posted a touching tribute on Instagram. “Without Barbara Walters there wouldn’t have been me—nor any other woman you see on evening, morning, and daily news,” she captioned a photo of them together. “She was indeed a Trailblazer. I did my very first television audition with her in mind the whole time.”
“Grateful that...
“Barbara Walters never flinched when questioning the world’s most powerful people. She held them accountable. She cared about the truth and she made us care too. Fortunately, she inspired many other journalists to be just as unrelenting. We are all better off because of her,” Kareem Abdul-Jabbar wrote.
Moments after the news broke, Oprah Winfrey posted a touching tribute on Instagram. “Without Barbara Walters there wouldn’t have been me—nor any other woman you see on evening, morning, and daily news,” she captioned a photo of them together. “She was indeed a Trailblazer. I did my very first television audition with her in mind the whole time.”
“Grateful that...
- 12/31/2022
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
From 1967 to 2007, the Federal Bureau of Investigation methodically collected information about Aretha Franklin using false phone calls, surveillance, infiltration, and highly-placed sources, according to the documents obtained in September by Rolling Stone.
Franklin’s FBI file — first requested in via the Freedom of Information Act on Aug. 17, 2018 — is 270 pages long, peppered with phrases like “Black extremists,” “pro-communist,” “hate America,” “radical,” “racial violence,” and “militant Black power” and overflowing with suspicion about the singer, her work, and the other activists and entertainers with whom she she spent time. Some documents are...
Franklin’s FBI file — first requested in via the Freedom of Information Act on Aug. 17, 2018 — is 270 pages long, peppered with phrases like “Black extremists,” “pro-communist,” “hate America,” “radical,” “racial violence,” and “militant Black power” and overflowing with suspicion about the singer, her work, and the other activists and entertainers with whom she she spent time. Some documents are...
- 10/2/2022
- by Jenn Dize and Afeni Evans
- Rollingstone.com
A suspect has been arrested in the killing of Jacqueline Avant, the Beverly Hills Police Department announced in a press conference Thursday.
Police arrested Aariel Maynor, 29, who allegedly shot and killed Avant after breaking into her Beverly Hills home early Wednesday morning. Avant was the wife of music industry legend Clarence Avant, the mother of Democratic fundraiser Nicole Avant and the mother-in-law of Netflix co-ceo Ted Sarandos.
Police said that Maynor was apprehended after shooting himself in the foot during the commission of a burglary in the Hollywood Hills, about an hour after Avant was shot at her home in the Trousdale Estates neighborhood of Beverly Hills.
Several cameras caught Maynor’s vehicle driving east out of Beverly Hills after the shooting, Beverly Hills Police Chief Mark Stainbrook said. Around 3:30 a.m., Hollywood police responded to a reported shooting in the backyard of a home in the 6000 block of Graciosa Drive,...
Police arrested Aariel Maynor, 29, who allegedly shot and killed Avant after breaking into her Beverly Hills home early Wednesday morning. Avant was the wife of music industry legend Clarence Avant, the mother of Democratic fundraiser Nicole Avant and the mother-in-law of Netflix co-ceo Ted Sarandos.
Police said that Maynor was apprehended after shooting himself in the foot during the commission of a burglary in the Hollywood Hills, about an hour after Avant was shot at her home in the Trousdale Estates neighborhood of Beverly Hills.
Several cameras caught Maynor’s vehicle driving east out of Beverly Hills after the shooting, Beverly Hills Police Chief Mark Stainbrook said. Around 3:30 a.m., Hollywood police responded to a reported shooting in the backyard of a home in the 6000 block of Graciosa Drive,...
- 12/2/2021
- by Jordan Moreau
- Variety Film + TV
The home invasion that resulted in the shooting death of Jackie Avant this morning might not have been a “random attack,” Beverly Hills Police Chief Mark Stainbrook said at a news conference this afternoon.
“I don’t think that it’s a random attack,” Stainbrook said, “but I can’t speculate on that right now.” The new police chief declined to speculate on a motive for the home invasion, or whether robbery was the intended crime.
Stainbrook, who was sworn in as chief on Tuesday, called the Avant family’s contributions to the entertainment and Beverly Hills communities “unmatched” and said today was “a difficult day for our city.”
Avant, the wife of legendary music executive Clarence Avant and mother-in-law of Netflix co-ceo Ted Sarandos, died around 2:30 a.m. today after being shot at the couple’s Trousdale Estates home near Beverly Hills. Stainbrook would not comment on the number of intruders,...
“I don’t think that it’s a random attack,” Stainbrook said, “but I can’t speculate on that right now.” The new police chief declined to speculate on a motive for the home invasion, or whether robbery was the intended crime.
Stainbrook, who was sworn in as chief on Tuesday, called the Avant family’s contributions to the entertainment and Beverly Hills communities “unmatched” and said today was “a difficult day for our city.”
Avant, the wife of legendary music executive Clarence Avant and mother-in-law of Netflix co-ceo Ted Sarandos, died around 2:30 a.m. today after being shot at the couple’s Trousdale Estates home near Beverly Hills. Stainbrook would not comment on the number of intruders,...
- 12/1/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
PBS has announced a new programming slate consisting of two new series, two documentaries, a children’s special and a new Prime Video channel, all set to roll out between Fall 2020 and Winter 2021.
The network released the plans during its virtual press tour in lieu of this summer’s Television Critics Association press tour, which was canceled due to the coronavirus.
On August 4, PBS will launch a new Prime Video channel called PBS Documentaries, which will include a library of programs including the entire Ken Burns collections and films from “Nova,” “Frontline,” “American Masters,” “Nature, “American Experience,” “Independent Lens,” “Pov” and other independent producers.
Also Read: 'Wishbone' Feature Film in the Works From Universal Pictures and Mattel
PBS also announced two new series, including “Tell Me More With Kelly Corrigan,” an interview program featuring the New York Times bestselling author, and “The Black Church: This Is Our Story,...
The network released the plans during its virtual press tour in lieu of this summer’s Television Critics Association press tour, which was canceled due to the coronavirus.
On August 4, PBS will launch a new Prime Video channel called PBS Documentaries, which will include a library of programs including the entire Ken Burns collections and films from “Nova,” “Frontline,” “American Masters,” “Nature, “American Experience,” “Independent Lens,” “Pov” and other independent producers.
Also Read: 'Wishbone' Feature Film in the Works From Universal Pictures and Mattel
PBS also announced two new series, including “Tell Me More With Kelly Corrigan,” an interview program featuring the New York Times bestselling author, and “The Black Church: This Is Our Story,...
- 7/28/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
Tavis Smiley was found by a jury to have violated PBS’ morals clause, and the network will be awarded $1.486 million from a countersuit of its former host.
“We are pleased with the jury’s decision,” a PBS spokesperson said in a statement. “PBS expects our producing partners to provide a workplace where people feel safe and are treated with dignity and respect. It was important for us to ensure that the courageous women who came forward were able to share their stories, and we continue to uphold the values and standards of our organization.”
“With this jury verdict for PBS, companies now have another tool in their arsenal to ensure a safe and respectful workplace culture,” said Grace Speights, PBS’ lead attorney. “Especially in the entertainment industry, the enforcement of the morals clause in contracts hadn’t been previously tested in courts. This decision could impact the next wave of litigation in the #MeToo movement.
“We are pleased with the jury’s decision,” a PBS spokesperson said in a statement. “PBS expects our producing partners to provide a workplace where people feel safe and are treated with dignity and respect. It was important for us to ensure that the courageous women who came forward were able to share their stories, and we continue to uphold the values and standards of our organization.”
“With this jury verdict for PBS, companies now have another tool in their arsenal to ensure a safe and respectful workplace culture,” said Grace Speights, PBS’ lead attorney. “Especially in the entertainment industry, the enforcement of the morals clause in contracts hadn’t been previously tested in courts. This decision could impact the next wave of litigation in the #MeToo movement.
- 3/4/2020
- by Tony Maglio and Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
A jury in Washington, DC, has sided with PBS in a case that weighed whether Tavis Smiley breached a morals clause in his contract as he faced allegations to sexual misconduct.
Smiley will have to pay the network at least $1.7 million, The Washington Post reported.
“We are pleased with the jury’s decision,” a PBS spokesperson said. “PBS expects our producing partners to provide a workplace where people feel safe and are treated with dignity and respect. It was important for us to ensure that the courageous women who came forward were able to share their stories, and we continue to uphold the values and standards of our organization.”
PBS suspended distribution of Smiley’s show in 2017, after he had hosted the late-night talk program for nearly 14 years. The network said in 2018 it had “uncovered multiple, credible allegations of conduct that is inconsistent with the values and standards of PBS.
Smiley will have to pay the network at least $1.7 million, The Washington Post reported.
“We are pleased with the jury’s decision,” a PBS spokesperson said. “PBS expects our producing partners to provide a workplace where people feel safe and are treated with dignity and respect. It was important for us to ensure that the courageous women who came forward were able to share their stories, and we continue to uphold the values and standards of our organization.”
PBS suspended distribution of Smiley’s show in 2017, after he had hosted the late-night talk program for nearly 14 years. The network said in 2018 it had “uncovered multiple, credible allegations of conduct that is inconsistent with the values and standards of PBS.
- 3/4/2020
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
A jury on Wednesday found that former PBS host Tavis Smiley violated the morals clause of his contract by having affairs with multiple subordinates.
Smiley sued PBS in February 2018, alleging that the broadcaster had used a sham investigation as a pretext to cancel his show. PBS countersued, claiming that Smiley’s sexual conduct constituted a breach of their contract.
The jury began deliberating on Monday, and issued its verdict in favor of PBS on Wednesday morning. PBS will be awarded at least $1.5 million. The D.C. Superior Court judge will have to determine the total amount of damages.
“We are pleased with the jury’s decision,” a PBS spokesperson said in a statement. “PBS expects our producing partners to provide a workplace where people feel safe and are treated with dignity and respect. It was important for us to ensure that the courageous women who came forward were able to...
Smiley sued PBS in February 2018, alleging that the broadcaster had used a sham investigation as a pretext to cancel his show. PBS countersued, claiming that Smiley’s sexual conduct constituted a breach of their contract.
The jury began deliberating on Monday, and issued its verdict in favor of PBS on Wednesday morning. PBS will be awarded at least $1.5 million. The D.C. Superior Court judge will have to determine the total amount of damages.
“We are pleased with the jury’s decision,” a PBS spokesperson said in a statement. “PBS expects our producing partners to provide a workplace where people feel safe and are treated with dignity and respect. It was important for us to ensure that the courageous women who came forward were able to...
- 3/4/2020
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
PBS has prevailed on its claim that Tavis Smiley breached a morals clause. On Wednesday, a Washington, D.C., jury returned a verdict in favor of the public broadcaster and decided that the former late-night talk show host should pay $1.486 million.
In 2017, PBS suspended Smiley upon allegations of sexual misconduct. As the #MeToo movement gained steam, PBS wished to disassociate itself with a television personality accused of behaving inappropriately toward subordinates. The case then became a rare test of morals clauses. In the 100 years since Hollywood began inserting clauses into contracts that forbid talent from doing anything ...
In 2017, PBS suspended Smiley upon allegations of sexual misconduct. As the #MeToo movement gained steam, PBS wished to disassociate itself with a television personality accused of behaving inappropriately toward subordinates. The case then became a rare test of morals clauses. In the 100 years since Hollywood began inserting clauses into contracts that forbid talent from doing anything ...
On the witness stand near the end of a two-week long trial, Tavis Smiley grew visibly angry and denied allegations of sexual misconduct as "lies." At the same time, he acknowledged having consensual sexual relationships with two female subordinates during his tenure as a former host of a long-running PBS late-night talk show.
In D.C. Superior Court, Smiley is battling PBS, which suspended his show two years ago. The broadcaster asserts it was justified in taking him off the air and withholding payments because he allegedly violated the "morals clause" of his contract. The proceeding amounts ...
In D.C. Superior Court, Smiley is battling PBS, which suspended his show two years ago. The broadcaster asserts it was justified in taking him off the air and withholding payments because he allegedly violated the "morals clause" of his contract. The proceeding amounts ...
- 2/26/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Following a spate of sexual misconduct allegations that prompted PBS to cancel “Tavis Smiley” in late 2017 and led to an ongoing legal dispute between the broadcaster and former talk show host, Smiley has taken to Facebook to defend himself ahead of the trial, which begins Monday.
Citing a famous line from Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” — John Proctor’s “Because it is my name” — Smiley contends that the PBS accusations have threatened to ruin him “professionally, economically, emotionally, and even spiritually.”
He had in January lost a bid to toss out PBS’ countersuit that alleges he violated his contract with the broadcaster by having sex with his subordinates. Smiley, in his Facebook post, acknowledged that he had “consensually dated persons with whom I had worked” over his 30-year broadcast career and “[his] truth might represent professional misjudgment, albeit decades ago.”
Per a recently unsealed report from a PBS-hired external investigator, Smiley...
Citing a famous line from Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” — John Proctor’s “Because it is my name” — Smiley contends that the PBS accusations have threatened to ruin him “professionally, economically, emotionally, and even spiritually.”
He had in January lost a bid to toss out PBS’ countersuit that alleges he violated his contract with the broadcaster by having sex with his subordinates. Smiley, in his Facebook post, acknowledged that he had “consensually dated persons with whom I had worked” over his 30-year broadcast career and “[his] truth might represent professional misjudgment, albeit decades ago.”
Per a recently unsealed report from a PBS-hired external investigator, Smiley...
- 2/4/2020
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
The #MeToo movement finally has reached its trial phase. More than two years after dozens of women accused Harvey Weinstein of sexual misconduct, a historic criminal proceeding is underway in New York with accusers hoping for a guilty verdict that will reverberate throughout Hollywood and the world. But Weinstein isn't the only entertainment figure accused of sexual misconduct about to face a jury. Oscar-winning filmmaker Paul Haggis sometime in the spring will defend himself in a civil trial over whether he raped a publicist. Johnny Depp, music producer Dr. Luke and writer Stephen Elliott will go on offense with ...
- 1/21/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Ousted PBS host Tavis Smiley publicly responded Friday to the accusations of sexual harassment contained in a recently unsealed 2018 report, saying, “I look forward to my day in court.”
“A weak case you play in the press, a strong case you play out in a court of law,” Smiley wrote on his Facebook page, in a post widely distributed to press by a spokesperson. “I look forward to my day in court February 10, which I have finally been granted, after 2 years of fighting.”
Smiley and PBS have been locked in an ongoing legal battle since early 2018. Smiley sued the network after it canceled his eponymous talk show the year prior, leading PBS to file a countersuit in which the network said an investigation found “multiple, credible allegations” of workplace misconduct. The network is also seeking to reclaim $1.9 million in salary it had paid him.
Also Read: Tavis Smiley Blasts PBS...
“A weak case you play in the press, a strong case you play out in a court of law,” Smiley wrote on his Facebook page, in a post widely distributed to press by a spokesperson. “I look forward to my day in court February 10, which I have finally been granted, after 2 years of fighting.”
Smiley and PBS have been locked in an ongoing legal battle since early 2018. Smiley sued the network after it canceled his eponymous talk show the year prior, leading PBS to file a countersuit in which the network said an investigation found “multiple, credible allegations” of workplace misconduct. The network is also seeking to reclaim $1.9 million in salary it had paid him.
Also Read: Tavis Smiley Blasts PBS...
- 1/3/2020
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
PBS suspended Tavis Smiley’s self-titled talk show in 2017, citing “multiple, credible” accusations of sexual impropriety, harassment and abuse. Disturbing new details about that alleged misconduct surfaced Thursday via a report chronicling the network’s newly unsealed investigation.
The report, conducted by an external investigator hired by PBS and brought to light by our sister site Deadline, was made public as part of Smiley‘s continuing efforts to sue the network for breach-of-contract. PBS is countersuing, seeking $1.9 million in production advances.
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The report, conducted by an external investigator hired by PBS and brought to light by our sister site Deadline, was made public as part of Smiley‘s continuing efforts to sue the network for breach-of-contract. PBS is countersuing, seeking $1.9 million in production advances.
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- 1/3/2020
- TVLine.com
A report by an external investigator hired by PBS claims former talk show host Tavis Smiley spent decades engaged in sexual relationships with subordinates and guests on his show, and committed acts of verbal abuse, inappropriate touching, and made unwanted sexual comments.
The report was unsealed as part of legal documents filed in connection with ongoing lawsuits related to Smiley’s dismissal. The 500-page report on his alleged misconduct was filed by Smiley’s legal team as part of its breach of contract legal claims. PBS has countersued and asked for $1.9 million in production advances to be returned.
Read the entire report here.
The report and legal actions stem from a 2018 decision by PBS to end its relationship with Smiley, who fronted the L.A.-produced late-night talker Tavis Smiley for nearly 14 years. PBS said in 2018 it had “uncovered multiple, credible allegations of conduct that is inconsistent with the values and standards of PBS.
The report was unsealed as part of legal documents filed in connection with ongoing lawsuits related to Smiley’s dismissal. The 500-page report on his alleged misconduct was filed by Smiley’s legal team as part of its breach of contract legal claims. PBS has countersued and asked for $1.9 million in production advances to be returned.
Read the entire report here.
The report and legal actions stem from a 2018 decision by PBS to end its relationship with Smiley, who fronted the L.A.-produced late-night talker Tavis Smiley for nearly 14 years. PBS said in 2018 it had “uncovered multiple, credible allegations of conduct that is inconsistent with the values and standards of PBS.
- 1/3/2020
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
According to a newly unsealed report from a PBS-hired external investigator, former talk-show host Tavis Smiley’s alleged misconduct dates back decades and spans inappropriate sexual comments and touching, verbal abuse, as well as sexual relationships with subordinates and guests on his show.
The findings from March 2018 were filed by Smiley’s legal team as part of the ongoing legal dispute between the host and PBS, which canceled “Tavis Smiley” in December amid misconduct allegations and an internal investigation. Smiley then sued PBS, alleging breach of contract. PBS in early 2018 filed a countersuit against Smiley, asking for the return of $1.9 million in production expenses.
Allegations from numerous women are detailed in the report. One former employee alleges that a few days after she started working for Smiley, he asked her to lunch; he called her on her cell phone instead of her office line and told her where to meet him to drive there,...
The findings from March 2018 were filed by Smiley’s legal team as part of the ongoing legal dispute between the host and PBS, which canceled “Tavis Smiley” in December amid misconduct allegations and an internal investigation. Smiley then sued PBS, alleging breach of contract. PBS in early 2018 filed a countersuit against Smiley, asking for the return of $1.9 million in production expenses.
Allegations from numerous women are detailed in the report. One former employee alleges that a few days after she started working for Smiley, he asked her to lunch; he called her on her cell phone instead of her office line and told her where to meet him to drive there,...
- 1/3/2020
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
Tavis Smiley has lost a bid to throw out PBS’ lawsuit that accuses him of violating his contract by having sex with his subordinates.
Smiley’s attorneys had argued that PBS was trying to punish him for behavior that long predated his current contract. But in a ruling on Thursday, D.C. Superior Court Judge Yvonne Williams disagreed, finding that PBS had also claimed more recent misconduct.
“For example, PBS alleged that Smiley had ‘multiple sexual encounters with subordinates,'” the judge wrote. “In addition, Mr. Smiley made ‘unfavorable comments about PBS in television appearances.’ These allegations include misconduct that occurred during the 2015, 2016, and 2017 contract periods… In addition, PBS alleges that Mr. Smiley publicly lied during the 2017 contract term about a 2007 settlement agreement with a female subordinate, which violates the Morals Clause. Finally, the sexual relationship that Mr. Smiley had with his subordinate, Kimberly, who served as Executive Producer at...
Smiley’s attorneys had argued that PBS was trying to punish him for behavior that long predated his current contract. But in a ruling on Thursday, D.C. Superior Court Judge Yvonne Williams disagreed, finding that PBS had also claimed more recent misconduct.
“For example, PBS alleged that Smiley had ‘multiple sexual encounters with subordinates,'” the judge wrote. “In addition, Mr. Smiley made ‘unfavorable comments about PBS in television appearances.’ These allegations include misconduct that occurred during the 2015, 2016, and 2017 contract periods… In addition, PBS alleges that Mr. Smiley publicly lied during the 2017 contract term about a 2007 settlement agreement with a female subordinate, which violates the Morals Clause. Finally, the sexual relationship that Mr. Smiley had with his subordinate, Kimberly, who served as Executive Producer at...
- 1/3/2020
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
PBS has lined up a new docuseries centered on Asian American history from producer Renee Tajima-Peña.
The five-part series, produced by Weta and the Center for Asian American Media, will examine the significant role of Asian Americans in shaping American history and identity, from the first wave of Asian immigrants in the 1850s and identity politics during the social and cultural turmoil of the 20th century to modern refugee crises in a globally connected world.
“As America’s home for documentaries, PBS is committed to telling stories that illuminate and celebrate the rich diversity of our country,” Paula Kerger, PBS president and CEO, said. “We are proud to share this important series with our audiences, and to deepen understanding about the extraordinary impact of Asian Americans on our national identity.”
The project is slated to debut in May 2020.
Also Read: 'Arthur' Season Premiere Reveals Mr Ratburn Is Gay
Tajima-Peña serves as series producer.
The five-part series, produced by Weta and the Center for Asian American Media, will examine the significant role of Asian Americans in shaping American history and identity, from the first wave of Asian immigrants in the 1850s and identity politics during the social and cultural turmoil of the 20th century to modern refugee crises in a globally connected world.
“As America’s home for documentaries, PBS is committed to telling stories that illuminate and celebrate the rich diversity of our country,” Paula Kerger, PBS president and CEO, said. “We are proud to share this important series with our audiences, and to deepen understanding about the extraordinary impact of Asian Americans on our national identity.”
The project is slated to debut in May 2020.
Also Read: 'Arthur' Season Premiere Reveals Mr Ratburn Is Gay
Tajima-Peña serves as series producer.
- 7/29/2019
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Monsters can be tricky. Sure, we know they’re scary and cruel and that we should avoid them at all costs. But what do we do when the most terrifying ones are wearing masks? What about the connivers who drip with charm, are slick with their words and know exactly how to make us confuse their pain with love? And what if, God forbid, the monster just happens to be rich and powerful?
Many of the women featured in Surviving R. Kelly — Lifetime’s gut-wrenching, six-part documentary series, premiering tonight,...
Many of the women featured in Surviving R. Kelly — Lifetime’s gut-wrenching, six-part documentary series, premiering tonight,...
- 1/3/2019
- by Shani Saxon
- Rollingstone.com
Daniel Holloway, Variety’s senior TV writer, is being promoted to Executive Editor, TV. He will assume his new role on Nov. 26.
Holloway is succeeding Debra Birnbaum — who’s been tapped as director of awards at Amazon — and will lead the publication’s team of TV writers, editors, and critics in Los Angeles and New York. He will be responsible for shaping the daily and weekly TV coverage for print and online and set and implement Variety’s overall TV strategy.
He will also put his own imprint on Variety’s TV podcast, “Remote Controlled.”
Holloway will report directly to Variety co-Editor-in-Chief Claudia Eller.
“Dan has proven himself to be a major star here at Variety and was the natural choice to take on the leadership of our great TV team,” says Eller. “Given his smarts, drive, and deep knowledge of the industry, Dan will be a phenomenal manager, mentor,...
Holloway is succeeding Debra Birnbaum — who’s been tapped as director of awards at Amazon — and will lead the publication’s team of TV writers, editors, and critics in Los Angeles and New York. He will be responsible for shaping the daily and weekly TV coverage for print and online and set and implement Variety’s overall TV strategy.
He will also put his own imprint on Variety’s TV podcast, “Remote Controlled.”
Holloway will report directly to Variety co-Editor-in-Chief Claudia Eller.
“Dan has proven himself to be a major star here at Variety and was the natural choice to take on the leadership of our great TV team,” says Eller. “Given his smarts, drive, and deep knowledge of the industry, Dan will be a phenomenal manager, mentor,...
- 11/7/2018
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
Former PBS host Tavis Smiley blasted his former employer Thursday, accusing the network’s CEO Paula Kerger of using legal tactics to avoid giving a deposition in his case.
Smiley sued PBS in February after the network pulled the plug on his eponymous late-night interview program amid accusations of sexual misconduct last year, and has denied any wrongdoing. PBS countersued Smiley in March, saying that the host violated a morality clause in his contract. The network is also seeking to reclaim $1.9 million in salary it had paid him.
“Why is PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger running from a deposition in my lawsuit?” Smiley asked on Thursday in a statement that was posted to his website.
Also Read: Tavis Smiley Slams PBS, Says Network Will Accuse Him of 'Financial Impropriety' in Open Letter
“From the very beginning, this curious case of alleged sexual misconduct has raised more questions than answers,...
Smiley sued PBS in February after the network pulled the plug on his eponymous late-night interview program amid accusations of sexual misconduct last year, and has denied any wrongdoing. PBS countersued Smiley in March, saying that the host violated a morality clause in his contract. The network is also seeking to reclaim $1.9 million in salary it had paid him.
“Why is PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger running from a deposition in my lawsuit?” Smiley asked on Thursday in a statement that was posted to his website.
Also Read: Tavis Smiley Slams PBS, Says Network Will Accuse Him of 'Financial Impropriety' in Open Letter
“From the very beginning, this curious case of alleged sexual misconduct has raised more questions than answers,...
- 11/1/2018
- by Itay Hod
- The Wrap
In an open letter provided to TheWrap, former PBS host Tavis Smiley said the network will be accusing him of “misappropriating public funds” in the upcoming trial for the lawsuit Smiley filed in February.
“I said last December that all I wanted was the truth,” Smiley said. “I am still in search of it.”
Also Read: Tavis Smiley Admitted to 'Multiple Sexual Encounters With Subordinates,' PBS Says
Smiley said that PBS has refused to cooperate with requests to see the findings of an independent investigation into the accusations that led to his firing, and accused it of stalling, intimidation, coercion, and of trashing “my reputation in the media.”
“Now I am hearing that they will be falsely accusing me of misappropriating public funds,’ he said.
In the letter, Smiley said neither accusations of sexual misconduct nor financial impropriety are true, and that “the real misuse of public monies is...
“I said last December that all I wanted was the truth,” Smiley said. “I am still in search of it.”
Also Read: Tavis Smiley Admitted to 'Multiple Sexual Encounters With Subordinates,' PBS Says
Smiley said that PBS has refused to cooperate with requests to see the findings of an independent investigation into the accusations that led to his firing, and accused it of stalling, intimidation, coercion, and of trashing “my reputation in the media.”
“Now I am hearing that they will be falsely accusing me of misappropriating public funds,’ he said.
In the letter, Smiley said neither accusations of sexual misconduct nor financial impropriety are true, and that “the real misuse of public monies is...
- 10/12/2018
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
Ten months after PBS axed Tavis Smiley’s long-running show amid allegations of sexual misconduct against him, the former late-night host is firing back — again. In a post on social media today, he took shots at the pubcaster and revealed that he is “hearing” that it is about to accuse him of additional impropriety.
“I’m hearing that they will be falsely accusing me of misappropriating public funds,” he wrote. “A case that started out being about sexual misconduct has now turned into a case of money mismanagement. Neither accusation is true. Nonetheless, PBS hired an outside accounting firm to conduct a months-long audit of my television show covering multiple years, and not a cent is unaccounted for over those seasons. Never a single infraction, as PBS accountants gave us a clean bill of financial health, year after year.
He added, “In truth, the real misuse of public monies is...
“I’m hearing that they will be falsely accusing me of misappropriating public funds,” he wrote. “A case that started out being about sexual misconduct has now turned into a case of money mismanagement. Neither accusation is true. Nonetheless, PBS hired an outside accounting firm to conduct a months-long audit of my television show covering multiple years, and not a cent is unaccounted for over those seasons. Never a single infraction, as PBS accountants gave us a clean bill of financial health, year after year.
He added, “In truth, the real misuse of public monies is...
- 10/11/2018
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Radio personality Bobby Bones will compete in the 27th season of “Dancing with the Stars,” which gets underway on September 24. He’s best known for his weekly syndicated radio program “The Bobby Bones Show,” so he’s following in the footsteps of other radio personalities who have competed on the show: Adam Carolla (season 6), Michael Catherwood (season 12) and Tavis Smiley (season 19). Will Bones’s millions of listeners rally behind him? Before Bones and his competitors hit the dance floor, let’s consider his pros and cons.
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Pros
Whether or not Bobby Bones turns out to be the best dancer of the bunch, he has a huge country music following. That has proven to be an especially loyal fan base in past seasons, as evidenced by the success of Kellie Pickler and Jana Kramer on the show.
His pro partner Sharna Burgess...
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Pros
Whether or not Bobby Bones turns out to be the best dancer of the bunch, he has a huge country music following. That has proven to be an especially loyal fan base in past seasons, as evidenced by the success of Kellie Pickler and Jana Kramer on the show.
His pro partner Sharna Burgess...
- 9/24/2018
- by Cordell Martin
- Gold Derby
PBS president and CEO Paula Kerger weighed in on the importance of having women in positions of power on Monday following the sexual harassment accusations against CBS boss Les Moonves.
“We always try to be reflective of the communities that we serve. This is something that we pay attention to quite carefully, both in front of and behind the camera,” Kerger told reporters at the Television Critics Association press tour on Monday.
Kerger said that PBS has a long history of employing women both in front of and behind the camera, including “Nova” executive producer Paula Apsell, “Frontline” Ep Raney Aronson-Rath and “PBS Newshour’s” Sara Just. She also pointed to Christiane Amanpour, who will host the late-nate public affairs program “Amanpour and Company” beginning in September.
Also Read: PBS Names Perry Simon as Its New Programming Chief
“We are very mindful and purposeful about how we try to make...
“We always try to be reflective of the communities that we serve. This is something that we pay attention to quite carefully, both in front of and behind the camera,” Kerger told reporters at the Television Critics Association press tour on Monday.
Kerger said that PBS has a long history of employing women both in front of and behind the camera, including “Nova” executive producer Paula Apsell, “Frontline” Ep Raney Aronson-Rath and “PBS Newshour’s” Sara Just. She also pointed to Christiane Amanpour, who will host the late-nate public affairs program “Amanpour and Company” beginning in September.
Also Read: PBS Names Perry Simon as Its New Programming Chief
“We are very mindful and purposeful about how we try to make...
- 7/30/2018
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
PBS has ordered a trio of documentaries: “Woodstock,” “Reconstruction: America After the Civil War” and Ken Burns’ “The Gene: An Intimate History,” the public broadcaster announced Monday at the Television Critics Association press tour.
“Woodstock” is a two-hour Barak Goodman doc tied to the 50th anniversary of the legendary 1969 concert held in upstate New York.
The four-hour “Reconstruction: America After the Civil War” is executive produced and hosted by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., and chronicles the confusing years immediately after the Union Army defeated the Confederacy in a divided America. Like “Woodstock,” “Reconstruction” is set to air next year.
Also Read: Tavis Smiley Admitted to 'Multiple Sexual Encounters With Subordinates,' PBS Says
“Ken Burns Presents The Gene: An Intimate History” is a three-hour adaptation of Siddhartha Mukherjee, M.D.’s book “The Gene: An Intimate History.” That one, in which Burns (pictured above) explores the breakthroughs in understanding the impact genes play on heredity,...
“Woodstock” is a two-hour Barak Goodman doc tied to the 50th anniversary of the legendary 1969 concert held in upstate New York.
The four-hour “Reconstruction: America After the Civil War” is executive produced and hosted by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., and chronicles the confusing years immediately after the Union Army defeated the Confederacy in a divided America. Like “Woodstock,” “Reconstruction” is set to air next year.
Also Read: Tavis Smiley Admitted to 'Multiple Sexual Encounters With Subordinates,' PBS Says
“Ken Burns Presents The Gene: An Intimate History” is a three-hour adaptation of Siddhartha Mukherjee, M.D.’s book “The Gene: An Intimate History.” That one, in which Burns (pictured above) explores the breakthroughs in understanding the impact genes play on heredity,...
- 7/30/2018
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
PBS CEO and president Paula Kerger on Monday made her 25th consecutive presentation at the semiannual Television Critics Association's press tour, which makes her the longest-serving broadcast chief in an increasingly disrupted medium.
Kerger herself noted that milestone is "hard to believe."
She also reminded reporters gathered at the Beverly Hilton that the scandal-free (now that Charlie Rose and Tavis Smiley have been dispatched) and beloved (save for the Trump administration and its Republican allies) public broadcaster is more relevant than ever in the era of fake news and social media vitriol.
Kerger pointed to her ...
Kerger herself noted that milestone is "hard to believe."
She also reminded reporters gathered at the Beverly Hilton that the scandal-free (now that Charlie Rose and Tavis Smiley have been dispatched) and beloved (save for the Trump administration and its Republican allies) public broadcaster is more relevant than ever in the era of fake news and social media vitriol.
Kerger pointed to her ...
- 7/30/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Paula Faris is leaving both “The View” and “Good Morning America Weekend” at the end of their current seasons, in order “to have time to cover stories in depth,” said ABC News president James Goldston in a memo to staff Wednesday.
“In four years at weekend ‘Gma’ and three seasons at the Hot Topics table,” Goldston wrote, “Paula has played an important role at both shows, offering an insightful and intelligent take on the big stories of the day. She’s been instrumental to their success.”
However, Faris is not actually leaving the Disney-owned broadcaster, as an individual with knowledge of Faris’ exit from “The View” and “Good Morning America Weekend” tells TheWrap she recently signed a new contract with ABC News.
Also Read: 'Good Morning America' to Add Third Hour - But Not in the Morning
The insider said the decision was Faris’, as she wants...
“In four years at weekend ‘Gma’ and three seasons at the Hot Topics table,” Goldston wrote, “Paula has played an important role at both shows, offering an insightful and intelligent take on the big stories of the day. She’s been instrumental to their success.”
However, Faris is not actually leaving the Disney-owned broadcaster, as an individual with knowledge of Faris’ exit from “The View” and “Good Morning America Weekend” tells TheWrap she recently signed a new contract with ABC News.
Also Read: 'Good Morning America' to Add Third Hour - But Not in the Morning
The insider said the decision was Faris’, as she wants...
- 7/18/2018
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Paula Faris is leaving The View and Good Morning America and will take a new assignment at ABC News.
Faris had been a weekend anchor at Gma for nearly four years, joining Gma from ABC”s overnight World News Now, where she had been for a year.
Faris joined the The View panelists in summer of 2015. This season, she’s been appearing on the show mostly on Fridays.
In today’s announcement, ABC News president James Goldston did not name Faris’ replacement on either franchise.
In his memo to staff, Goldston said she will “cover the most consequential stories of the day, help lead the charge on breaking news and focus on key bookings,” appearing across ABC News platforms including Gma. Additionally, she will launch a podcast on faith for ABC News.
In an interview with People timed to coincide with today’s announcement, Faris said her decision to step...
Faris had been a weekend anchor at Gma for nearly four years, joining Gma from ABC”s overnight World News Now, where she had been for a year.
Faris joined the The View panelists in summer of 2015. This season, she’s been appearing on the show mostly on Fridays.
In today’s announcement, ABC News president James Goldston did not name Faris’ replacement on either franchise.
In his memo to staff, Goldston said she will “cover the most consequential stories of the day, help lead the charge on breaking news and focus on key bookings,” appearing across ABC News platforms including Gma. Additionally, she will launch a podcast on faith for ABC News.
In an interview with People timed to coincide with today’s announcement, Faris said her decision to step...
- 7/18/2018
- by Lisa de Moraes
- Deadline Film + TV
PBS has hired the same lawyer that celebrity chef Paula Deen used in her workplace racial discrimination suit, to represent the network in its legal battle with Tavis Smiley.
In February, Smily sued PBS for firing him over sexual misconduct allegations, claiming that the network breached its contract and damaged his production company.
Grace Speights, an employment litigation specialist and partner in the D.C. office of Morgan Lewis, will be leading PBS’ legal team in the case, according to the network. An initial scheduling conference is set for later this month in D.C. Superior Court.
Also Read: Tavis Smiley Blasts PBS for 'So-Called Investigation' Prompting Show Suspension: 'This Has Gone Too Far'
Speights represented Deen in 2013 after the TV chef and her brother were sued by a former employee for sexual harassment and racially offensive talk. The lawsuit, which prompted Deen to admit among other things that “of...
In February, Smily sued PBS for firing him over sexual misconduct allegations, claiming that the network breached its contract and damaged his production company.
Grace Speights, an employment litigation specialist and partner in the D.C. office of Morgan Lewis, will be leading PBS’ legal team in the case, according to the network. An initial scheduling conference is set for later this month in D.C. Superior Court.
Also Read: Tavis Smiley Blasts PBS for 'So-Called Investigation' Prompting Show Suspension: 'This Has Gone Too Far'
Speights represented Deen in 2013 after the TV chef and her brother were sued by a former employee for sexual harassment and racially offensive talk. The lawsuit, which prompted Deen to admit among other things that “of...
- 5/15/2018
- by Itay Hod
- The Wrap
Ex-PBS host Tavis Smiley just got hit with a countersuit from his former employer, and it lays out the allegations of sexual misconduct ... which include sex with employees and sending porn to coworkers. PBS filed its suit Friday in Washington, DC claiming Smiley engaged in a pattern of sexual misconduct over years. The network hired an investigator after Smiley was initially suspended when employees made claims. In the suit, PBS says it discovered Smiley...
- 3/23/2018
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
PBS has fired back against Tavis Smiley in Smiley’s lawsuit against the broadcaster, saying that the host admitted to “multiple sexual encounters with subordinates” prior to his show, “Tavis Smiley,” being pulled from the air by PBS. In an answer to Smiley’s complaint filed this week, PBS said that in November, it received “a serious complaint from a former subordinate of Mr. Smiley, who reported that Mr. Smiley had engaged in inappropriate behavior and sexual misconduct on multiple occasions.” According to the answer, a subsequent investigation revealed “detailed accounts” of Smiley engaging in “inappropriate behavior and sexual misconduct.” The accounts included...
- 3/23/2018
- by Tim Kenneally
- The Wrap
After his show was "indefinitely suspended" in December over "multiple, credible allegations" of sexual misconduct, Tavis Smiley is suing PBS, the network that ran his self-named, late-night talk show for 14 years, alleging that the company was in breach of contract and damaged his own production company, Ts Media. Since the accusations first emerged, the Tavis Smiley show host, who has admitted to having consensual sexual relationships with employees of his company, has vehemently and repeatedly denied PBS' claims—and appears to be taking the next step in recourse. "I've spent the bulk of my career in public media, so filing a lawsuit against PBS was the last thing I wanted to...
- 2/21/2018
- E! Online
It’s been more than two months since PBS fired Tavis Smiley after an investigation into “multiple, credible allegations” allegations of sexual misconduct made against him. Today, the veteran talk-show host hit back. Smiley filed a lawsuit against the pubcaster today, claiming that the axing breached his contract and damaged his company — and that PBS executives used the case as “a pretext to finally rid themselves of Mr. Smiley, who was not the ‘team player’ type of…...
- 2/21/2018
- Deadline TV
Tavis Smiley, whose PBS series was pulled from the air in December after accusations of misconduct were leveled against the host, has now filed a lawsuit against the broadcaster, according to court papers obtained by TheWrap. In the suit, filed Tuesday in Washington, D.C., Smiley accuses of PBS of acting in “a racially hostile manner” over the years. “For example, PBS harassed Mr. Smiley about inviting controversial African American figures on to his show. However, when Mr. Smiley brought equally controversial (if not more so) white figures, PBS remained silent,” the suit reads. “This was not an isolated incident but happened...
- 2/20/2018
- by Tim Kenneally
- The Wrap
Tavis Smiley says PBS firing him wasn't just about sexual harassment allegations ... he now claims it was racial, and it's costing him millions upon millions of dollars. Smiley filed a lawsuit against his former network -- which aired his talk show for 14 years -- claiming the sexual harassment allegations against him were "trumped up." Immediately after Smiley was suspended in mid December, he admitted to having relationships with coworkers ... but insisted they were all consensual.
- 2/20/2018
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
PBS CEO Paula Kerger spent much of her semi-annual Q&A at TCA today taking questions about decisions to jettison Charlie Rose and Tavis Smiley after both men were accused of sexually harassment. Kerger is one of the few TV industry executives brave enough to stand before reporters at the semi-annual TV-industry gathering; her appearance was especially impressive, given that her network fired not one but two on-air hosts and scrapped their programs. “Even though we are a…...
- 1/16/2018
- Deadline TV
PBS will aim to become a leader in the conversation about sexual harassment and assault in the #MeToo era following the abrupt exits of hosts Charlie Rose and Tavis Smiley at the network, President and CEO Paula Kerger said Tuesday. “What we’ve observed is that there’s a lot of discussion around Hollywood, and a lot of the stories that continue to mushroom out, but it’s a much bigger problem that crosses every economic level and every industry,” Kerger told reporters at the Television Critics Association press tour. “There isn’t a place that I’ve see yet to at least begin a...
- 1/16/2018
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
In the wake of suspending both Charlie Rose and Tavis Smiley for sexual misconduct, PBS is enacting changes to help prevent similar misconduct in the future.
“It’s important we ensure that this isn’t just a moment and that we move on but we are looking into ways to create systematic change,” PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger said at the Television Critics Association press tour on Tuesday.
Kerger noted the bolstering of the network’s anti-harassment efforts, even though many of them had already existed, such as PBS’ whistleblower line, where workplace misconduct can be addressed. These calls “go directly to our board, not to management,” per Kerger. The network’s harassment policies, which had also been in place some months before the #MeToo movement started, requires that employees go through training once a year, with managers going through a second level of training.
Drawing distinctions between the...
“It’s important we ensure that this isn’t just a moment and that we move on but we are looking into ways to create systematic change,” PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger said at the Television Critics Association press tour on Tuesday.
Kerger noted the bolstering of the network’s anti-harassment efforts, even though many of them had already existed, such as PBS’ whistleblower line, where workplace misconduct can be addressed. These calls “go directly to our board, not to management,” per Kerger. The network’s harassment policies, which had also been in place some months before the #MeToo movement started, requires that employees go through training once a year, with managers going through a second level of training.
Drawing distinctions between the...
- 1/16/2018
- by Hanh Nguyen and Steve Greene
- Indiewire
Valar morghulis. All men must die. Might as well read some excellent books before then.
This summer, George R.R. Martin and a slew of other authors and celebrities will lend their voices and passion to “The Great American Read,” an eight-part PBS television competition that celebrates books. PBS made the announcement at the Television Critics Association press tour on Tuesday.
Much like Martin’s “Game of Thrones” series, ultimately there can only be one victor, and the series will conclude when the public selects “America’s Best-Loved Book” based on votes.
Read More:‘Game of Thrones’ Prequels Won’t Premiere Until At Least 2020, HBO Boss Confirms
Although Martin may seem to have a leg up on the competition, there’s no guarantee that any of his “Game of Thrones” books will even make it to the 100 best-loved novels list for consideration. While his novels may have inspired one of today’s most popular TV series,...
This summer, George R.R. Martin and a slew of other authors and celebrities will lend their voices and passion to “The Great American Read,” an eight-part PBS television competition that celebrates books. PBS made the announcement at the Television Critics Association press tour on Tuesday.
Much like Martin’s “Game of Thrones” series, ultimately there can only be one victor, and the series will conclude when the public selects “America’s Best-Loved Book” based on votes.
Read More:‘Game of Thrones’ Prequels Won’t Premiere Until At Least 2020, HBO Boss Confirms
Although Martin may seem to have a leg up on the competition, there’s no guarantee that any of his “Game of Thrones” books will even make it to the 100 best-loved novels list for consideration. While his novels may have inspired one of today’s most popular TV series,...
- 1/16/2018
- by Hanh Nguyen
- Indiewire
The #MeToo movement shows no sign of slowing down. Like the women who started the Time’s Up movement, public broadcaster PBS intends to make sure that all the progress made in shining a light on sexual harassment isn’t lost and is able to continue.
At the Television Critics Association press tour on Tuesday, PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger announced the five-part, half-hour series titled, “#MeToo, Now What?” (a working title). Hosted by Zainab Salbi, founder of Women for Women International, the discussion series will premiere in February.
The conversation will engage both men and women from all ages and walks of life about sexual harassment and how to create positive and lasting change. Each episode will focus on one aspect of sexual harassment: the impact of popular culture on women in the workplace, how race and class factor into the discussion, the social costs of pay inequity and gender discrimination,...
At the Television Critics Association press tour on Tuesday, PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger announced the five-part, half-hour series titled, “#MeToo, Now What?” (a working title). Hosted by Zainab Salbi, founder of Women for Women International, the discussion series will premiere in February.
The conversation will engage both men and women from all ages and walks of life about sexual harassment and how to create positive and lasting change. Each episode will focus on one aspect of sexual harassment: the impact of popular culture on women in the workplace, how race and class factor into the discussion, the social costs of pay inequity and gender discrimination,...
- 1/16/2018
- by Hanh Nguyen
- Indiewire
Tavis Smiley has now announced a new series called The Upside with Tavis Smiley. Said series will be focused on inspirational stories, so it should come as no surprise to learn that it will be available to interested individuals through The Word Network, which is a religious-themed channel aimed at black viewers. The choice to focus on inspirational stories seems like a deliberate choice to sidestep the issue of finding celebrities who are willing to be interviewed by Smiley, which is a serious concern because of the recent stories of sexual misconduct surrounding him. What Happened to Tavis Smiley? For
Tavis Smiley Announces New Show After PBS Fallout...
Tavis Smiley Announces New Show After PBS Fallout...
- 1/15/2018
- by Nat Berman
- TVovermind.com
Tavis Smiley isn't leaving anytime soon. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the talk show host already has a new TV series after being dropped by PBS.As reported earlier, PBS dropped Smiley's self-titled talk show amid allegations of sexual misconduct. The long-running late-night series began in 2004 and featured interviews with notable entertainers, athletes, politicians, and authors, including Allison Janney, Laurie Metcalf, filmmaker Dee Rees, and Smokey Robinson.Read More…...
- 1/10/2018
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Tavis Smiley is back, as the former PBS host announced the launch of a new show on Monday. “The Upside with Tavis Smiley” will be streamed online and aired on The Word Network, a religious-oriented cable and satellite channel directed at black viewers, according to the Associated Press. Smiley also announced a five-city “town hall” tour to talk about relationships in the workplace. The announcement comes less than a month after Smiley was dropped by PBS in the wake of sexual misconduct allegations against him, which he vehemently denied. Also Read: Tavis Smiley Blasts PBS for 'So-Called Investigation' Prompting Show Suspension: 'This Has.
- 1/9/2018
- by Debbie Emery
- The Wrap
Earlier in December, PBS made the announcement that it was suspending Tavis Smiley’s TV show, which it is responsible for distributing but not producing. The announcement happened because PBS heard accusations of sexual misconduct against Smiley, which resulted in an investigation that turned up sufficient evidence for it to make that particular choice. As for what Smiley was accused of, it seems that he has been having multiple relationships with multiple women at his workplace. However, the most problematic part is that some of the women believed that their employment was connected to their relationships, which explains why PBS was
The Stories of Sexual Misconduct Surrounding Tavis Smiley Rage On...
The Stories of Sexual Misconduct Surrounding Tavis Smiley Rage On...
- 12/29/2017
- by Nat Berman
- TVovermind.com
Tavis Smiley, who was abruptly let go by PBS last week over accusations of sexual misconduct, said the network has decided to continue its probe into the allegations. Calling it “a bit of breaking news,” Smiley told morning show “Good Day New York” Tuesday that he just got a letter from PBS, informing him of the network’s decision. “After they dragged me through the mud, now they want to continue the investigation,” he said. “My point was that you rushed to judgement, you got spooked by all these stories, and now we find there’s really nothing there… it’s insane.
- 12/19/2017
- by Itay Hod
- The Wrap
[[tmz:video id="0_a70u0968"]] Tavis Smiley knows it's hard to find Mr. or Mrs. Right, and insists that's why he never discouraged employees -- including himself, apparently -- from dating co-workers. The suspended PBS talk show host took a stand for workplace dating Monday night on Tucker Carlson's Fox News show. Remember, PBS benched Tavis last week amid sexual misconduct allegations -- and true to his word, he's now vigorously defending himself. The way Tavis sees it --...
- 12/19/2017
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Tavis Smiley took to Tucker Carlson’s show Monday to warn PBS if it does not “fix this,” and he sues over network’s decision to suspend distribution of his program, “millions of taxpayer dollars are going to be spent by PBS defending itself.” “And I don't think taxpayers want their money spent that way," Smiley said pointedly to Fox News Channel viewers. Smiley told Carlson he does not know what are the exact allegations made against him by former staffers on his show…...
- 12/19/2017
- Deadline TV
Updated with new PBS statement: “Tavis Smiley needs to get his story straight,” PBS says in response to Smiley’s Good Morning America interview this morning about the pubcaster’s decision to suspend distribution of his program. PBS’ statement: First, today on Good Morning America, Mr. Smiley acknowledged he has had multiple sexual encounters with his employees, then struggled to recall the number of current employees with whom he has had sex. This contradicts his Facebook…...
- 12/18/2017
- Deadline TV
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