PBS’ Tavis Smiley: I’ve never groped

PBS’ Tavis Smiley: I’ve never groped

NEW YORK

Tavis Smiley has defended himself from allegations he had sexual relationships with subordinates and created an abusive workplace environment, denying any wrongdoing and saying PBS made a mistake by suspending him from his talk show. PBS almost immediately fired back, saying he “needs to get his story straight.”

He told ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Monday that he’s never coerced anyone into a relationship but has had consensual relationships in the workplace. He said those relationships weren’t forbidden by the company he owns, and he claims he never promoted or fired anyone based on their relationship with him.

“I’ve never groped. I’ve never coerced, I’ve never exposed myself inappropriately to anyone in 30 years,” Smiley said. “I’ve made mistakes – I’m human. I’m not perfect. But it doesn’t rise to the level of wrongful termination.”

Smiley said Monday that he applauds women coming forward to share their sexual assault and harassment experiences “to lead us in a conversation about how to create healthy workspaces.”

PBS responded in a matter of hours, saying Smiley’s acknowledgement of multiple relationships contradicted his previous statements.

Palin’s son arrested on violence charge

ANCHORAGE, Alaska

Police arrested the oldest son of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin on charges related to domestic violence for the second time in two years.

Track Palin was arraigned Sunday on three counts of felony burglary, misdemeanor reckless assault and misdemeanor criminal mischief. Each of the charges was related to domestic violence, according to court documents.

No attorney was listed for Track Palin, who was being held at a pretrial facility in Palmer, Alaska.

In 2016, Palin was suspected of punching his girlfriend, who then became concerned that he was going to shoot himself with a rifle, court documents said.

He faced several charges related to domestic violence but had some dismissed in exchange for pleading guilty to possessing a firearm while intoxicated.

His then-girlfriend later filed for custody of their child, and in January she requested a protective order against Track Palin.

It’s splitsville for racers Danica, Ricky

CONCORD, N.C.

Danica Patrick and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. have split as a couple after nearly five years.

A spokeswoman for Patrick confirmed to The Associated Press on Monday that the drivers are “no longer in a relationship.”

Patrick didn’t attend the season-ending awards ceremony last month in Las Vegas with Stenhouse, who was honored for making NASCAR’s playoffs in 2017. That led to speculation about the most prolific couple in motorsports.

Patrick and Stenhouse announced they were dating in early 2013. She confirmed that by telling the AP: “I have a boyfriend, his name is Richard.”

It was an unconventional pairing. They raced against each other weekly, and over the course of their relationship they clashed competitively, leading to post-race disagreements.

Patrick, 35, had been previously married before she began dating Stenhouse. He recently turned 30.

Patrick is retiring as a full-time driver and hopes to end her career next year by racing in the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500.

Associated Press