PBS Counters Tavis Smiley's 'Huge Mistake' Accusation

Tavis Smiley called out PBS on Monday for making what he calls “a huge mistake” when it stopped distributing his show over allegations of sexual misconduct against him.

“I’m going to do anything to protect my reputation,” Mr. Smiley said on “Good Morning America.”

AZccording to The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PBS didn’t take the host’s morning-show offensive sitting down.

“Tavis Smiley needs to get his story straight,” a PBS spokesperson said in a statement. The rep also confirmed the decision to keep Mr. Smiley’s show on indefinite suspension.

On “GMA” — where Mr. Smiley maintained his innocence while also admitting to “consensual” relationships with colleagues and an “intense” atmosphere during production — he faulted PBS for not sharing the identities of his accusers during an investigation conducted by an outside law firm.

“Witnesses who have bravely come forward to speak with the independent investigators retained by PBS report a fear of retribution for speaking out. PBS stands by its decision to respect the anonymity of those who are afraid to come forward publicly. Additional allegations are continuing to come to light since last week’s announcement,” the network spokesperson said.