Tavis Smiley talk show suspended by PBS amid misconduct allegations

PBS is 'indefinitely” suspending distribution of the late-night talk show 'Tavis Smiley” after multiple misconduct allegations emerged against the show's 53-year-old host, PBS announced Wednesday.

While a statement from a PBS spokesperson did not say what sort of misconduct was alleged, PBS News Hour, on its website, said the allegations involved 'sexual misconduct.”

'PBS engaged an outside law firm to conduct an investigation immediately after learning of troubling allegations regarding Mr. Smiley,” a PBS spokesperson said.

'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.

The news was first reported by Variety on Wednesday afternoon.

The 'Tavis Smiley” show is produced by independent production company TS Media. While PBS has been airing the series since 2004, it does not employ Smiley or his staff.

Smiley did not immediately respond to a request for comment.