Tavis Smiley Ordered To Pay $2.6 Million To PBS Over Workplace Sexual Misconduct

Former PBS talk show host Tavis Smiley has been ordered to pay $2.6 million to PBS for breaching a morals clause that stems from multiple claims of sexual misconduct while working for the company.

If you recall, Smiley was suspended from PBS in December 2017 before being let go from his long-running talk show following several credible allegations of misconduct that surfaced. Smiley, who is Black, fired back at the claims by suing the network in D.C. Superior Court, alleging that racial bias was at the center of his firing. He also felt that he was wrongly terminated without proof of wrongdoing. While Smiley did admit to engaging in romantic relationships with several colleagues over the course of his career, he maintains that they all were consensual. He sought $1 million in his lawsuit. This resulted in PBS counter-suing, arguing in part that Smiley owed the network for shows that didn’t air.

In March of this year, a jury found him guilty of breaching his contract after a three-week trial. Six women testified that Smiley propositioned them for sex and threatened consequences if they failed to comply. The jury awarded PBS $1.5 million to make up the cost of the last two seasons of Smiley’s show. However, the network later argued that it was entitled to more per the morals clause, according to Variety. On August 5, Judge Yvonne Williams agreed and ruled that $2.6 million will be awarded to PBS, including $1.9 million in liquidated damages. $702,898 was also awarded to corporate underwriters that had paid Smiley’s company for the seasons in question.

According to Variety, one woman that testified claims that Smiley threatened her employment if she did not give in to his advances. Another woman admitted to having a consensual relationship with Smiley but claims that when she would not have sex with him, he seemingly threatened her employment by reminding her that she worked for him.

“I felt like my job was in jeopardy and that if I didn’t do what he wanted sexually, I would lose my job,” the woman said during the trial.

Another woman testified at the trial that when she turned down Smiley’s numerous sexual advances, he told her, “I’m tired of you telling me no. I’m tired of you rejecting me. I’m going to show you what happens to people when they reject me.” The threats forced the woman to leave her job. She ultimately settled a sexual harassment complaint and was paid $325,000.

The women also spoke of the hostile work environment that Smiley created, which included crude language at work, his unpredictable temper and yelling at staff.