Prominent TV and radio presenter Chris Smith has been suspended amid an investigation into his behaviour following a piece Christmas social gathering.
The 2GB presenter and Sky News Australia host attended the TV community’s finish of 12 months celebrations at The Ivy in Sydney on Saturday, earlier than employees members moved onto The Establishment the place an incident allegedly unfolded.
“The person involved has been suspended while an investigation into the allegations is undertaken,” a Sky News Australia spokesperson stated.
“The welfare of our staff is our absolute priority. We have a zero-tolerance approach to inappropriate conduct and take these allegations very seriously.
“There will be no further comment while the investigation is carried out.”
According to a report in The Daily Telegraph, the 60-year-old father-of-four has additionally been stood down from 2GB pending the investigation.
“2GB has been made aware of serious allegations against Chris Smith, arising from the Sky News Christmas party … Sky has advised they are conducting an investigation,” a spokesman instructed the publication.
“Chris has been stood down from his duties at 2GB until the investigation has concluded.”
News.com.au has approached Smith for remark.
Smith, who was slated to step in for Ben Fordham from Monday, beforehand made headlines for his behaviour on the 2GB Christmas social gathering in 2009, during which he was suspended for allegedly harassing 4 ladies.
At the time, Smith instructed The Sunday Telegraph the incident had destroyed his household and will wreck his profession.
He admitted to being drunk on champagne and pink wine on the social gathering, and that he had taken “the wrong antidepressants”.
“I was in a crazy extended drinking mode,” he stated.
“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.”
He returned to the airwaves every week later, nevertheless his marriage to his first spouse Ali – who he shares two kids with – didn’t get well.
Smith managed to resurrect his profession over time, and was set to helm a daily 5pm slot on Sky News.
He is at the moment married to dietitian Susie Burrell, with whom he shares twin sons.
Originally printed as 2GB and Sky News host Chris Smith suspended after employees Christmas social gathering
