Sky News' Chris Smith slapped with suspension after wildly inappropriate Christmas party behaviour
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The holidays are a time when many let loose their inner carefree selves, but it should never be taken as an excuse to behave poorly.
Case in point: media veteran Chris Smith has been slapped with a suspension from his roles at both Sky News and 2GB Radio following allegations of inappropriate behaviour at the former organisation's Christmas party.
Smith hosts Chris Smith Tonight on Sky News and on weekends at 2GB from 9 AM to 1 PM.
The 60-year-old TV personality is accused of leaving a female colleague in tears, making lewd comments to others, and acting inappropriately towards several female colleagues at the Sydney event.
One female colleague reportedly hit Smith over his alleged behaviour, leading to an investigation being launched by Sky News Australia.
Smith has been stood down from his duties until further notice.
A representative for Sky News confirmed the suspension in a statement to the media, saying: 'The person involved has been suspended while an investigation into the allegations is undertaken.'
'The welfare of our staff is our absolute priority. We have a zero-tolerance approach to inappropriate conduct and take these allegations very seriously.'
A separate statement from 2GB confirmed they are also looking into allegations raised against Smith.
This isn't the first time such misconduct has led to disciplinary action against Chris Smith.
Back in 2009, he was accused of groping several women at 2GB's Christmas party — leading to his suspension from the Macquarie Radio Network.
In an apology he issued after the incident, he said: ‘I was in a crazy extended drinking mode.’
‘That has happened to me a few times over the last decade – I just black out and that’s what happened. I’m not saying by any means that that’s an excuse. It’s not.’
Reports at the time said he agreed to enter counselling and seek professional help with his return to 2GB.
And prior to that incident, he was fired from Channel 9's A Current Affair back in the late 1990s after he exposed himself to two female colleagues at a work party.
The broadcaster was eventually given the boot after those affected by his actions complained to Nine Network executives about what had transpired.
According to 2021 data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 53 per cent of women have experienced sexual harassment in their lifetimes.
In terms of harassers, 31.8 per cent of women say they received inappropriate comments about their bodies or sex lives from men. Twenty-nine per cent meanwhile say men touched, grabbed, kissed, or fondled them without consent.
Meanwhile, 25 per cent of men reported experiencing sexual harassment.
If you or anyone you know are experiencing sexual harassment, please reach out to services like Sexual Harassment Australia at 1800 333 666 for help.
What is your reaction to this story?
Tell us in the comments section below.
Source: YouTube/ABC News Australia
Case in point: media veteran Chris Smith has been slapped with a suspension from his roles at both Sky News and 2GB Radio following allegations of inappropriate behaviour at the former organisation's Christmas party.
Smith hosts Chris Smith Tonight on Sky News and on weekends at 2GB from 9 AM to 1 PM.
The 60-year-old TV personality is accused of leaving a female colleague in tears, making lewd comments to others, and acting inappropriately towards several female colleagues at the Sydney event.
One female colleague reportedly hit Smith over his alleged behaviour, leading to an investigation being launched by Sky News Australia.
Smith has yet to address the most recent incident of him allegedly sexually harassing women at Sky News’ Christmas Party. Screengrab Credit: YouTube/On Brand Media
Smith has been stood down from his duties until further notice.
A representative for Sky News confirmed the suspension in a statement to the media, saying: 'The person involved has been suspended while an investigation into the allegations is undertaken.'
'The welfare of our staff is our absolute priority. We have a zero-tolerance approach to inappropriate conduct and take these allegations very seriously.'
A separate statement from 2GB confirmed they are also looking into allegations raised against Smith.
This isn't the first time such misconduct has led to disciplinary action against Chris Smith.
Back in 2009, he was accused of groping several women at 2GB's Christmas party — leading to his suspension from the Macquarie Radio Network.
In an apology he issued after the incident, he said: ‘I was in a crazy extended drinking mode.’
‘That has happened to me a few times over the last decade – I just black out and that’s what happened. I’m not saying by any means that that’s an excuse. It’s not.’
Smith has a history of sexual harassment allegations. Screengrab Credit: Twitter/@chrissmithonair
Reports at the time said he agreed to enter counselling and seek professional help with his return to 2GB.
And prior to that incident, he was fired from Channel 9's A Current Affair back in the late 1990s after he exposed himself to two female colleagues at a work party.
The broadcaster was eventually given the boot after those affected by his actions complained to Nine Network executives about what had transpired.
According to 2021 data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 53 per cent of women have experienced sexual harassment in their lifetimes.
Meanwhile, 25 per cent of men reported experiencing sexual harassment.
If you or anyone you know are experiencing sexual harassment, please reach out to services like Sexual Harassment Australia at 1800 333 666 for help.
What is your reaction to this story?
Tell us in the comments section below.
Source: YouTube/ABC News Australia
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