Photo: Rich Fury, Rich Fury/Invision/AP
FILE - In this April 27, 2016 file photo, Tavis Smiley appears at the 33rd annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards in Los Angeles. PBS says it has suspended distribution of Smiley’s talk show after an independent investigation uncovered “multiple, credible allegations” of misconduct by its host. (Photo by Rich Fury/Invision/AP, File)
lessFILE - In this April 27, 2016 file photo, Tavis Smiley appears at the 33rd annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards in Los Angeles. PBS says it has suspended distribution of Smiley’s talk show after an independent
... more
FILE - In this April 27, 2016 file photo, Tavis Smiley appears at the 33rd annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards in Los Angeles. PBS says it has suspended distribution of Smiley’s talk show after an independent investigation uncovered “multiple, credible allegations” of misconduct by its host. (Photo by Rich Fury/Invision/AP, File)
lessFILE - In this April 27, 2016 file photo, Tavis Smiley appears at the 33rd annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards in Los Angeles. PBS says it has suspended distribution of Smiley’s talk show after an independent
... more
Recent sexual harassment and abuse allegations
Recent sexual harassment and abuse allegations
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Harvey Weinstein
A New York Times article uncovered multiple incidents of Weinstein's sexually harassment or abuse. Thousands of women embracing the "Me Too" movement to own their histories of sexual harassment and abuse, and those issues swirling at high volume in the culture overall, parents are reaching for teachable moments in the post-Weinstein world.
lessA New York Times article uncovered multiple incidents of Weinstein's sexually harassment or abuse. Thousands of women embracing the "Me Too" movement to own their histories of sexual harassment and abuse, and
... more
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Matt Lauer
NBC News fired longtime "Today" show host Matt Lauer on Wednesday for "inappropriate sexual behavior," making him the second morning television show personality to lose his job because of sexual misconduct charges in a week.
lessNBC News fired longtime "Today" show host Matt Lauer on Wednesday for "inappropriate sexual behavior," making him the second morning television show personality to lose his job because of sexual misconduct
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Louis C.K.
Louis C.K. has been accused of sexual misconduct toward several women, including masturbating in front of them to their horror and embarrassment, according to a report in The New York Times.
Louis C.K. has been accused of sexual misconduct toward several women, including masturbating in front of them to their horror and embarrassment, according to a report in The New York Times.
Photo: Chris Pizzello, Associated Press
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Kevin Spacey
Spacey says he is “beyond horrified” by allegations that he made sexual advances on Anthony Rapp when he was a teen boy in 1986. Spacey posted on Twitter that he does not remember the encounter but apologizes for the behavior.
lessSpacey says he is “beyond horrified” by allegations that he made sexual advances on Anthony Rapp when he was a teen boy in 1986. Spacey posted on Twitter that he does not remember the encounter but
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Al Franken
Sen. Al Franken has announced his resignation from the Senate after accusations of sexual harassment. Leeann Tweeden, shown above, accused the Senator of groping her while they were touring with the USO before Franken took office. Subsequent accusations were made for alleged actions while Franken was in office.
lessSen. Al Franken has announced his resignation from the Senate after accusations of sexual harassment. Leeann Tweeden, shown above, accused the Senator of groping her while they were touring with the USO before
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Charlie Rose
The Washington Post says eight women have accused television host Charlie Rose of multiple unwanted sexual advances and inappropriate behavior. CBS News fired Rose and PBS is to halt production and distribution of his show following the sexual harassment report.
lessThe Washington Post says eight women have accused television host Charlie Rose of multiple unwanted sexual advances and inappropriate behavior. CBS News fired Rose and PBS is to halt production and distribution
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Rep. Trent Franks
Rep. Trent Franks, R-Ariz., announced his resignation after an ethics inquiry into his discussion of surrogacy with female staffers
Rep. Trent Franks, R-Ariz., announced his resignation after an ethics inquiry into his discussion of surrogacy with female staffers
Photo: Carolyn Kaster
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John Lasseter
Pixar and Disney Animation chief John Lasseter is accused by several women of unwanted touching and has announced he is taking a six-month leave of absence. He has acknowledged some "missteps" with employees and apologized for any behavior that made workers uncomfortable.
lessPixar and Disney Animation chief John Lasseter is accused by several women of unwanted touching and has announced he is taking a six-month leave of absence. He has acknowledged some "missteps" with employees
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James Toback
Toback, who received an Oscar nomination for writing "Bugsy," has been accused of sexual harassment by more than 30 women. He said: "anyone who says it is a lying c---r or c- or both ... Anyone who says that, I just want to spit in his or her f--g face."
lessToback, who received an Oscar nomination for writing "Bugsy," has been accused of sexual harassment by more than 30 women. He said: "anyone who says it is a lying c---r or c- or both ... Anyone who says that, I
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Former President George H.W. Bush
Accused of patting seven women (including Heather Lind, pictured above) below the waist while posing for photos with them in recent years, well after he left office. The 93-year-old Republican has issued repeated apologies through a spokesman "to anyone he has offended," with the spokesman noting that the former president uses a wheelchair and that his arm sinks below people's waists when they take photos with him.
lessAccused of patting seven women (including Heather Lind, pictured above) below the waist while posing for photos with them in recent years, well after he left office. The 93-year-old Republican has issued
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Warren Moon
Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon has been accused of sexual harassment by an assistant for his sports marketing firm, according to a lawsuit filed in California. The civil lawsuit was filed Monday in Orange County Superior Court. According to court documents, Wendy Haskell alleges Moon made "unwanted and unsolicited" sexual advances as part of her role as his assistant working for Sports 1 Marketing. Moon is the co-founder and president of the company.
lessHall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon has been accused of sexual harassment by an assistant for his sports marketing firm, according to a lawsuit filed in California. The civil lawsuit was filed Monday in Orange
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Congressman John Conyers
The longtime Michigan Congressman denied settling a sexual harassment complaint in 2015 from a woman who alleged she was fired from his Washington staff because she rejected his sexual advances.
The longtime Michigan Congressman denied settling a sexual harassment complaint in 2015 from a woman who alleged she was fired from his Washington staff because she rejected his sexual advances.
Photo: Paul Sancya, AP
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Roy Moore
U.S. Senate candidate Roy Moore was accused of sexually assaulting two women decades ago when they were teenagers. About a half-dozen other women also have accused Moore of inappropriate conduct. Moore, a former state Supreme Court chief justice, has called the allegations "unsubstantiated," ''unproven" and "fake." He has rebuffed pressure from national Republican leaders to step aside; the state GOP is standing by him.
lessU.S. Senate candidate Roy Moore was accused of sexually assaulting two women decades ago when they were teenagers. About a half-dozen other women also have accused Moore of inappropriate conduct. Moore, a
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Dr. Larry Nassar
Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman says she is among the young women abused by a former USA Gymnastics team doctor. Raisman tells "60 Minutes" she was 15 when she was first treated by Dr. Larry Nassar, who spent more than two decades working with athletes at USA Gymnastics. He's now is in jail in Michigan awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography.
lessOlympic gymnast Aly Raisman says she is among the young women abused by a former USA Gymnastics team doctor. Raisman tells "60 Minutes" she was 15 when she was first treated by Dr. Larry Nassar, who spent more
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Brett Ratner
Film director Brett Ratner has been accused by six women, Including actress Olivia Munn, of harassment or misconduct in a Los Angeles Times report.
Film director Brett Ratner has been accused by six women, Including actress Olivia Munn, of harassment or misconduct in a Los Angeles Times report.
Photo: Willy Sanjuan
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Mark Halperin
Halperin apologized for what he terms "inappropriate" behavior after five women claimed he sexually harassed them while he was a top ABC News executive.
Halperin apologized for what he terms "inappropriate" behavior after five women claimed he sexually harassed them while he was a top ABC News executive.
Photo: Richard Shotwell, Associated Press
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Russell Simmons
In a report published Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in the Los Angeles Times, Model Keri Claussen Khalighi accused Simmons of sexual misconduct in 1991 when she was 17-years-old. Simmons, denied the allegations in a statement.
lessIn a report published Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in the Los Angeles Times, Model Keri Claussen Khalighi accused Simmons of sexual misconduct in 1991 when she was 17-years-old. Simmons, denied the allegations in a
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Steven Seagal
Jenny McCarthy said on her Sirius XM show Nov. 9, 2017, that Seagal sexually harassed her during an audition in 1995. A Seagal spokesman has denied the McCarthy’s accusations to The Daily Beast.
Jenny McCarthy said on her Sirius XM show Nov. 9, 2017, that Seagal sexually harassed her during an audition in 1995. A Seagal spokesman has denied the McCarthy’s accusations to The Daily Beast.
Photo: Ivan Sekretarev, AP
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Jeremy Piven
CBS is investigating a sexual harassment allegation against Piven, who currently stars in the CBS series, "Wisdom of the Crowd." Actress and reality star Ariane Bellamar claimed in posts on her Twitter account that the Emmy-winning "Entourage" star groped her on two occasions.
lessCBS is investigating a sexual harassment allegation against Piven, who currently stars in the CBS series, "Wisdom of the Crowd." Actress and reality star Ariane Bellamar claimed in posts on her Twitter account
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Garrison Keillor
Author and humorist Garrison Keillor of "Prairie Home Companion" fame he has been fired by Minnesota Public Radio over allegations of improper behavior
Author and humorist Garrison Keillor of "Prairie Home Companion" fame he has been fired by Minnesota Public Radio over allegations of improper behavior
Photo: Leila Navidi
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Michael Oreskes
Former executive Michael Oreskes lost his job as National Public Radio newsroom chief following sexual harassment reports. Oreskes was vice president and senior managing editor at the AP from 2008 to 2015.
Former executive Michael Oreskes lost his job as National Public Radio newsroom chief following sexual harassment reports. Oreskes was vice president and senior managing editor at the AP from 2008 to 2015.
Photo: Chuck Zoeller, AP
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Chef John Besh
Chef John Besh stepped down from the restaurant group that bears his name after a newspaper reported that 25 current or former employees of the business said they were victims of sexual harassment.
Chef John Besh stepped down from the restaurant group that bears his name after a newspaper reported that 25 current or former employees of the business said they were victims of sexual harassment.
Photo: Edmund D. Fountain, For The Chronicle
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Dustin Hoffman
Hoffman is apologizing for alleged sexual harassment of a 17-year-old intern in 1985. Writer Anna Graham Hunter alleges that the 80-year-old actor groped her on the set of TV movie “Death of a Salesman” and “talked about sex to me and in front of me.”
lessHoffman is apologizing for alleged sexual harassment of a 17-year-old intern in 1985. Writer Anna Graham Hunter alleges that the 80-year-old actor groped her on the set of TV movie “Death of a Salesman” and
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Ed Westwick
The BBC said Friday, Nov. 10, 2017, it is pulling a new Agatha Christie adaptation from its television schedule because of a sexual assault allegation against actor Westwick. Westwick has strenuously denied the allegation.
lessThe BBC said Friday, Nov. 10, 2017, it is pulling a new Agatha Christie adaptation from its television schedule because of a sexual assault allegation against actor Westwick. Westwick has strenuously denied the
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Tom Wopat
The former star of "The Dukes of Hazzard" has been accused of indecently assaulting two female members of a musical in Massachusetts.
The former star of "The Dukes of Hazzard" has been accused of indecently assaulting two female members of a musical in Massachusetts.
Photo: AP
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Jeffrey Tambor
Trace Lysette, an actress on "Transparent," says the shows star Tambor pressed his body against hers in a sexually aggressive manner during filming and made inappropriate and unwanted sexual statements. Tambor denies the allegations saying he has never been a predator - ever.
lessTrace Lysette, an actress on "Transparent," says the shows star Tambor pressed his body against hers in a sexually aggressive manner during filming and made inappropriate and unwanted sexual statements.
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Robert Knepper
Knepper was accused by one woman of sexual assault. He denies the allegations.
Knepper was accused by one woman of sexual assault. He denies the allegations.
Photo: Richard Shotwell, Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP
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George Takei
Takei has denied he groped a struggling model in 1981.
Takei has denied he groped a struggling model in 1981.
Photo: Phil Mccarten, AP
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Jann Wenner
Rolling Stone co-founder and publisher Jann Wenner was accused by one man of sexual harassment. He says he did not intend to make the accuser uncomfortable.
Rolling Stone co-founder and publisher Jann Wenner was accused by one man of sexual harassment. He says he did not intend to make the accuser uncomfortable.
Photo: Evan Agostini, Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
New Republic publisher Hamilton Fish faces multiple sexual harassment allegations. He has resigned from the magazine.
Correction: An earlier version of this slideshow contained an incorrect photo. SFGATE regrets the error. lessNew Republic publisher Hamilton Fish faces multiple sexual harassment allegations. He has resigned from the magazine.
Correction: An earlier version of this slideshow contained an incorrect photo. SFGATE regrets ... more
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Leon Wieseltier
New Republic editor Leon Wieseltier is accused of sexually harassing numerous women. Removed from the masthead of The Atlantic magazine. He has apologized for his behavior.
New Republic editor Leon Wieseltier is accused of sexually harassing numerous women. Removed from the masthead of The Atlantic magazine. He has apologized for his behavior.
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Glenn Thrush
New York Times White House reporter Glenn Thrush is accused of making drunken, unwanted advances on women. He disputes some of the accusations but has said he had had a drinking problem and apologized for "any situation where I behaved inappropriately."
lessNew York Times White House reporter Glenn Thrush is accused of making drunken, unwanted advances on women. He disputes some of the accusations but has said he had had a drinking problem and apologized for "any
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Jeff Hoover
Kentucky House Speaker Jeff Hoover stepped down as speaker this month after news surfaced that the Republican had settled a sexual harassment claim from a GOP caucus staffer. Hoover denied the harassment allegation but said he sent consensual yet inappropriate text messages. He remains in the Legislature.
lessKentucky House Speaker Jeff Hoover stepped down as speaker this month after news surfaced that the Republican had settled a sexual harassment claim from a GOP caucus staffer. Hoover denied the harassment
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Stephen Bittel
Florida Democratic Party Chairman Stephen Bittel (center), is accused of sexually inappropriate comments and behavior toward a number of women, Bittel resigned. Meanwhile, Democratic state Sen. Jeff Clemens resigned after a report that he had an extramarital affair with a lobbyist, and Republican state Sen. Jack Latvala is being investigated by the Senate over allegations of harassment and groping. Latvala has denied the allegations.
lessFlorida Democratic Party Chairman Stephen Bittel (center), is accused of sexually inappropriate comments and behavior toward a number of women, Bittel resigned. Meanwhile, Democratic state Sen. Jeff Clemens
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Gary Goddard
Director-producer Gary Goddard — Accused by one man of sexually molesting him when the man was 12. He denies the allegation.
Director-producer Gary Goddard — Accused by one man of sexually molesting him when the man was 12. He denies the allegation.
Photo: Patrick McMullan/Patrick McMullan Via Getty Image
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Matthew Weiner
"Mad Men" creator Matthew Weiner has been accused by one woman of sexual harassment. He denies the allegation.
"Mad Men" creator Matthew Weiner has been accused by one woman of sexual harassment. He denies the allegation.
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Tom Sizemore
Actor Tom Sizemore is accused of groping an 11-year-old actress in 2003. Utah prosecutors declined to file charges, citing witness and evidence problems. He denies the allegation.
Actor Tom Sizemore is accused of groping an 11-year-old actress in 2003. Utah prosecutors declined to file charges, citing witness and evidence problems. He denies the allegation.
Photo: John Carucci, AP
Bryan Singer
Director Bryan Singer has been accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old male in 2003.
Bryan Singer
Director Bryan Singer has been accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old male in 2003.
Photo: Matt Sayles, Matt Sayles/Invision/AP
Mario Batali
Batali has taken leave from his restaurants and co-hosting duties on ABC's "The Chew" after the website Eater reported Monday, Dec. 11, 2017 that four women, all unnamed, have accused Batali of sexual harassment. In the wake of the allegations, the Food Network announced it is putting plans to relaunch his seminal show, "Molto Mario," next year on hold.
lessMario Batali
Batali has taken leave from his restaurants and co-hosting duties on ABC's "The Chew" after the website Eater reported Monday, Dec. 11, 2017 that four women, all unnamed, have accused Batali of
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Walmart, book distributor suspend ties with Tavis Smiley
NEW YORK (AP) — Walmart and a book distributor distanced themselves from Tavis Smiley on Thursday after PBS said an investigation found "troubling allegations" of sexual misconduct by the radio and TV host.
The moves came a day after PBS said it was suspending Smiley following an independent investigation by a law firm. PBS said the firm uncovered "multiple, credible allegations of conduct that is inconsistent with the values and standards of PBS." His show's page at PBS was scrubbed on Thursday.
Smiley has denied ant wrongdoing.
Walmart, which had been a sponsor of Smiley's talk show and an upcoming touring theatrical show, cut ties with him. "We take these issues very seriously and are troubled by the recent allegations," the retail giant said in a statement. "As a result, we are suspending our relationship with Mr. Smiley, pending the outcome of the PBS investigation."
Hay House, which distributes the Smiley Books imprint, said all Smiley projects were "on hold" pending an internal review. Smiley had planned in September to release "Leading by Listening: Connecting through Conversation to Transform Your Relationships and Your Business."
Smiley responded to the allegations on Facebook, saying PBS "overreacted" and calling it "a rush to judgment." He said he has never harassed anyone and claimed one relationship the network uncovered was consensual.
"If having a consensual relationship with a colleague years ago is the stuff that leads to this kind of public humiliation and personal destruction, heaven help us," he said. "This has gone too far. And, I, for one, intend to fight back."
PBS responded to Smiley's accusations by saying it stands by the integrity of the investigation. "The totality of the investigation, which included Mr. Smiley, revealed a pattern of multiple relationships with subordinates over many years," a PBS spokesperson said.
The ouster comes weeks after PBS cut ties with anchor and talk show host Charlie Rose, citing "extremely disturbing and intolerable behavior" by him toward women at his PBS talk show.
Smiley brought rare diversity to late-night TV and has drawn the ire of conservatives and liberals alike for some of his views. He has worked for six networks over a 30-year career and his radio program "The Tavis Smiley Show" was distributed by Public Radio International from 2005 to 2013. He has been with PBS for 14 seasons and some 3,000 episodes.
Smiley also has a development deal with Warner Bros. Television and was working with J.J. Abrams to turn his new book about Michael Jackson's last days and death into a limited TV series. He also has a podcast via PodcastOne.
Smiley next month is expected to launch a nationwide 40-city tour of a theatrical production focusing on the last year of Martin Luther King Jr.'s life. "Death of a King: A Live Theatrical Experience" is based on Smiley's 2014 book of the same title and was to start Jan. 15, King's birthday.
"Death of a King" is being produced by Mills Entertainment, which did not respond Thursday to requests for comment. Several of the venues slated to host the show did not respond to queries about whether the show would play as scheduled. One that did, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, said: "We just learned of these allegations and at this time will reserve comment."
Smiley also oversees the publishing imprint Smiley Books and has written more than a dozen books, including his memoir "What I Know for Sure" and "The Covenant With Black America."
The dismissals of Smiley and Rose at PBS follow dozens of firings and suspensions of prominent men who have been accused of sexual misconduct or harassment. The wave began this fall with allegations lodged against Harvey Weinstein and has impacted numerous high-profile TV and media figures, with Matt Lauer, Garrison Keillor, journalist Mark Halperin, NPR news chief Michael Oreskes, reporter Glenn Thrush and New Republic editor Leon Wieseltier all felled, among others.
According to Variety, the investigation found Smiley found that he had engaged in sexual relationships with multiple subordinates and created "a verbally abusive and threatening environment."
Smiley in his Facebook post claims PBS "refused to provide me the names of any accusers, refused to speak to my current staff, and refused to provide me any semblance of due process to defend myself against allegations from unknown sources."
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AP National Writer Hillel Italie contributed to this report.
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Mark Kennedy is at http://twitter.com/KennedyTwits
http://www.timesunion.com/entertainment/television/article/PBS-suspends-distribution-of-Smiley-show-for-12428951.php
