Longtime broadcast host Tavis Smiley still plans to bring his “Death Of A King: A Live Theatrical Experience” to Atlanta in April 2018 even as he fights allegations of misconduct.
A spokeswoman for the show, which focuses on the last year of Martin Luther King Jr.’s life before his assassination in 1968, said it is still scheduled to come to the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre on April 2.
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The best-selling author recently became the latest high-profile celebrity to be accused of sexual misconduct. Earlier this week, PBS indefinitely suspended distribution of "Tavis Smiley" following an investigation that found "credible" allegations regarding sexual misconduct.
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The show is produced by TS Media.
In a statement, Smiley said PBS “rushed to judgement” and he intends to fight back.
Here’s part of his statement:
“I have the utmost respect for women and celebrate the courage of those who have come forth to tell their truth. To be clear, I have never groped, coerced, or exposed myself inappropriately to any workplace colleague in my entire broadcast career, covering 6 networks over 30 years.
Never. Ever. Never.
PBS launched a so-called investigation of me without ever informing me. I learned of the investigation when former staffers started contacting me to share the uncomfortable experience of receiving a phone call from a stranger asking whether, I had ever done anything to make them uncomfortable, and if they could provide other names of persons to call. After 14 seasons, that’s how I learned of this inquiry, from the streets.
Only after being threatened with a lawsuit, did PBS investigators reluctantly agree to interview me for three hours.
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.”
“Death Of A King,” narrarated by Smiley, includes live music, visual imagery and prose, according to a description of the show. Music will feature renowned jazz pianist and composer, Marcus Roberts. It comes to Savannah on April 8.
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