Fans angered by host’s firing
MINNEAPOLIS — Outraged Garrison Keillor fans deluged Minnesota Public Radio Thursday with complaints about the firing of the humourist over alleged workplace misconduct.
Some say they will no longer support MPR, one of the nation’s largest public radio operations, which depends heavily on financial contributions.
MPR said Wednesday it was cutting ties with Keillor, creator and former host of the popular public radio show A Prairie Home Companion, over an allegation of workplace misconduct. The network did not give details, but Keillor told the Minneapolis Star Tribune that he had put his hand on a woman’s bare back while trying to console her.
On Thursday, MPR repeated it had received just one formal complaint against Keillor, a day after a statement by him raised questions about the extent of the allegations.
Keillor told MPR’s news department in an email two employees had made allegations. MPR spokeswoman Angie Andresen, asked to clear up the discrepancy, said the network has “a formal complaint from an individual that includes multiple allegations related to Garrison’s behaviour.”
Keillor said in an email Thursday evening one person had brought a claim against MPR and one person had brought a claim against him. He says he hasn’t seen the allegations and his account to the Star Tribune was the only incident he could remember.
Andresen appeared to dispute any claim against MPR in an email, saying: “We have complaints from two individuals formerly associated with A Prairie Home Companion. Both allege inappropriate behaviour by Mr. Keillor. Only one claims the behaviour was directed at her.” She didn’t immediately respond to a message seeking further clarification.
MPR News reported many people were angered at Keillor’s dismissal and dozens planned to cancel memberships.
More than 400 people expressed themselves through MPR’s Public Insight Network within 24 hours of the news.
“We understand that some listeners are upset and know that the limited information we’ve made available at this time may not seem to justify such a consequential decision,” said Andresen. “We want to assure that this decision honours the highest standards they’ve come to expect from us.”
While many fans supported Keillor, the professional fallout for the popular radio personality continued on Thursday.
The Washington Post said it won’t distribute any more columns by Keillor because he didn’t reveal he was under investigation in his most recent column. Keillor’s last column criticized calls for Minnesota U.S. Sen. Al Franken to resign over allegations of sexual misconduct.
MPR has said it received allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” against Keillor last month involving one person who worked with him during his time hosting Prairie Home. MPR did not elaborate on the allegation.
Keillor told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune he had meant to pat the woman on the back but, “her shirt was open and my hand went up it about six inches. She recoiled. I apologized,” Keillor said. “I sent her an email of apology later, and she replied that she had forgiven me and not to think about it. We were friends. We continued to be friendly right up until her lawyer called.”
Keillor retired as host of the radio variety show last year, but the Saturday evening show continues with mandolinist Chris Thile as host.
MPR said it would rename the show and end distribution of The Writer’s Almanac, Keillor’s daily reading of a poem and telling of literary events. MPR also plans to end rebroadcasts of The Best of A Prairie Home Companion hosted by Keillor.