Detroit Radio: WFDF Suspends Host Over Claims

Rev. W-J Rideout III

A prominent Detroit pastor has been suspended from his show on WFDF 910 AM as questions are raised about the validity of his claims of sexual harassment against WXYZ-TV Channel 7.

The Detroit News reports radio station managers announced Tuesday the Rev. W.J. Rideout III would no longer be allowed to host his show on Saturday evenings or be interviewed on the station as part of an indefinite suspension.

Station owner Kevin Adell said he is skeptical of Rideout and his claims against two TV newsmen and a newspaper editor without providing proof. The alleged sexual harassment victims also have not been identified.

“You can’t just make an accusation about people without victims coming forward,” Adell said. “We are not using our platform here for somebody else’s agenda.”

WXYZ news anchor Malcom Maddox was placed on administrative leave last week following the allegations of sexual harassment leveled by Rideout. The station said it is investigating the claims.

Rideout said the victims of sexual harassment at WXYZ do not want to be revealed. The pastor said he expects the victims will eventually come forward and speak out.

Rideout last week accused Maddox of harassing a woman through phone calls, emails, text messages and showed her pictures. Numerous employees, he said, endured similar treatment.

He said the employee who made the claims has requested to remain anonymous.