Names and faces
PBS has fired back at suspended talk and radio show host Tavis Smiley, saying he “needs to get his story straight.”
On Monday, Smiley defended himself against allegations he had sexual relationships with subordinates and created an abusive workplace environment, which prompted the Public Broadcasting Service to suspend Smiley on Wednesday. Smiley told ABC’s Good Morning America that he has never coerced anyone into a relationship but has had consensual relationships in the workplace. He said those relationships weren’t forbidden by the company he owns and he claims he never promoted or fired anyone based on their relationship with him. “I’ve never groped. I’ve never coerced, I’ve never exposed myself inappropriately to anyone in 30 years,” Smiley said. “I’ve made mistakes — I’m human. I’m not perfect. But it doesn’t rise to the level of wrongful termination.” PBS responded in a statement released within a matter of hours, saying Smiley’s acknowledgement of multiple relationships contradicted his previous statements. “Tavis Smiley needs to get his story straight,” PBS said in a statement, which also promised more accusations: “Additional allegations are continuing to come to light since last week’s announcement.” PBS also derided Smiley’s claim that he applauds women who have come forward, pointing out that Smiley’s company hinders such actions by requiring former and current employees to sign nondisclosure agreements. “Witnesses who have bravely come forward to speak with the independent investigators retained by PBS report a fear of retribution for speaking out,” it said.
Track Palin, 28, the oldest son of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, has been arrested on charges related to domestic violence for the second time in as many years, police said. Track Palin was arraigned Sunday on charges of felony burglary and misdemeanor reckless assault, both related to domestic violence involving his father, Todd, according to court records. A misdemeanor criminal mischief charge was dismissed. No attorney was listed for Track Palin, who was being held at a pretrial facility in Palmer, Alaska. In 2016, Palin was suspected of punching his girlfriend, who then became concerned that he was going to shoot himself with a rifle, court documents said. He faced several charges related to domestic violence but had some dismissed in exchange for pleading guilty to possessing a firearm while intoxicated. His then-girlfriend later filed for custody of their child, and in January she requested a protective order against Track Palin. When her son was first accused of domestic violence in 2016, Sarah Palin, the 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee, said that post-traumatic stress disorder might have been a factor. Track Palin served in Iraq for a year in 2008.