Tavis Smiley: 'PBS Made A Huge Mistake Here'

Radio/TV Talk-show host Tavis Smiley defended himself again against sexual harassment allegations today, saying, "PBS made a huge mistake here."

PBS suspended the distribution of his eponymous talk show earlier this month after an investigation, noting "multiple, credible allegations," the network confirmed to ABC News in a statement.

A PBS spokesperson added, "PBS engaged an outside law firm to conduct an investigation immediately after learning of troubling allegations regarding Mr. Smiley. This investigation included interviews with witnesses as well as with Mr. Smiley. The inquiry uncovered multiple, credible allegations of conduct that is inconsistent with the values and standards of PBS, and the totality of this information led to today's decision."

During a live sit-down interview on ABC's  "Good Morning America" Monday, the 53-year old Smiley reiterated that "I've never groped, I've never coerced" women into sexual relations on his staff "in 30 years over six different networks."

He added, "I celebrate and applaud these women who had the courage to come out," but he's concerned that because of the recent climate, "people end up being guilty simply by accusations."



Smiley had relationships with women while working on “The Tavis Smiley Show,” he said, adding he can prove they were consensual “with letters, cards, gifts and, certainly, photographs."