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Investigation reveals details about sexual misconduct allegations against Tavis Smiley

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Frederick M. Brown/Getty ImagesTwo years after Tavis Smiley was fired from PBS for sexual misconduct allegations, an unsealed investigation report reveals details about the accusations.

Smiley, who hosted his self-titled talk show on PBS, was accused of having sex with guests and staff members, as well as unwanted sexual advances, and making lewd comments.  The report was unsealed this week for Smiley’s lawsuit against the network.

According to the report, a woman who worked as an intern with the 55-year-old radio and TV personality stated that he “grabbed (her) buttocks” when they posed for a photo, and also brushed up against her. She says when she requested a reference from him, she says he stated he would only give her the letter if she went to his home at 11 p.m., according to Variety.

Smiley denied the allegations, stating in the report he has “never brushed his body up against an employee or touched an employee in a sexual way on purpose who he was not in a relationship with.” 

Another co-worker stated that after having lunch with Smiley, they were riding in a car back to the office when he asked her, “What bra size do you wear? Because there is a Victoria’s Secret at the Grove right here and I can buy you some stuff, some panties.” When the woman laughed, she says Smiley responded, “I will make you walk back to the office.” 

Another woman says that Smiley told her, “Your husband must be a lucky man because you must be good in bed.” 

Smiley’s team denies all the reported incidents, calling them “entirely meritless and a smokescreen for PBS’ desire to rid itself of its tense partnership with Mr. Smiley.”

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