Chris Smith has been fired from each 2GB and Sky News for a “serious breach of contract” following his alleged conduct on the Sky News Christmas celebration over the weekend.
On an announcement on Tuesday afternoon, Sky News Australia confirmed Smith’s departure.
“Following an investigation into allegations of serious misconduct, we have today advised Chris Smith that his contract with Sky News Australia has been terminated as a result of inappropriate behaviour that is in breach of his contract and company policy,” Sky News Australia CEO Paul Whittaker mentioned.
“We continue to offer support to affected staff members whose welfare remains out primary concern.
“I am committed to ensuring a safe and healthy environment where everyone is treated fairly, and with dignity and respect at all times.”
This got here after an announcement from 2GB mentioned Smith’s actions have been “not aligned with the values” of the station.
The news come after colleagues from each workplaces publicly denounced his behaviour on the occasion, calling for his rapid sacking.
Andrew Bolt and Rita Panahi mentioned Smith’s future with the community on air Monday night time throughout The Bolt Report amid an investigation into Smith’s conduct on the celebration in Sydney, after which allegations of inappropriate behaviour in the direction of his feminine colleagues reportedly arose.
Journalist Laura Jayes took to Instagram to agree with Bolt and Panahi’s stance on the matter, writing, “Good riddance” with a hyperlink to their feedback.
According to The Daily Telegraph, it’s believed Jayes made a criticism about Smith’s behaviour on the night time in query to Sky News administration in assist of the ladies concerned.
Smith has additionally been stood down from his function at Sky News as investigations proceed.
2GB’s mornings host Ray Hadley additionally weighed in on the scandal on Tuesday, saying he’s “embarrassed to be a former colleague of his”,The Australian reviews.
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This afternoon, 2GB confirmed that Smith’s contract has been terminated in an announcement offered to news.com.au.
“2GB has today terminated the services of broadcaster Chris Smith,” it mentioned.
“The termination follows the Sky News Christmas party at the weekend, where Chris has conceded his behaviour was unacceptable, “apologising profusely” for his “drunken treatment” of girls.”
The assertion continued with a remark from Nine’s managing director of radio, Tom Malone.
“Chris’ behaviour represents a serious breach of his contract, and is not aligned with the values of 2GB.”
2GB mentioned Nine has offered assist to Chris in latest days.
The assertion follows reviews his spouse moved out of the household dwelling they share with their twin sons in gentle of the incident, whereas Smith has confirmed he’s presently looking for psychological well being and alcohol dependancy remedy at a facility.
On Monday night time, Sky News presenters Bolt and Panahi addressed the scandal throughout their broadcast.
“Now we are all good people here at Sky, we have a culture of looking after each other and if you betray that trust, besmirch our good name, offend women here, you’re out,” Bolt mentioned on his program on Monday.
“Chris, all the very best to you with getting over what you say is your addiction and your bipolar condition, but your recovery must take place somewhere else, not here,” he mentioned.
“Good luck but goodbye”.
Panahi agreed: “What he did on Saturday night, how he made a number of women feel means that in my opinion he can never be on this network again.
“The women at this station know we have their back, we stand with them and will never tolerate this kind of behaviour.”
On Tuesday, 2GB’s mornings host Ray Hadley additionally referred to as for Smith to be taken off air, describing him as a “disgraceful person” whereas chatting with Mark Levy.
“I’m embarrassed to be a former colleague of his and I hope I never have to work with him again, in fact I know I won’t ever work with him again, so good riddance to bad rubbish,” Hadley mentioned.
“I have no sympathy for him, I’ve heard it all before — ‘I’m bipolar, I drink too much, I’m a monster when I drink’ — we’ve heard that four or five times over the years.”
Smith, 60, addressed the incident in an interview with The Daily Telegraph on Monday, through which he revealed he was looking for remedy for his bipolar dysfunction and alcohol points.
“I am beyond gutted and devastated to know I have upset my colleagues after our Christmas party,” the father-of-four advised the publication.
“I apologise profusely to the women I upset. That’s not the man I am at work, ever, as they will all attest. They have been so supportive to me and do not deserve such drunken treatment.”
Smith continued: “I pride myself on my professionalism and work ethic but I have dropped the ball and embarrassed many people including those I love most – my family. I am very sorry.”
Smith was absent from the 2GB airwaves yesterday, the place he was on account of fill in for Ben Fordham on breakfast.
Smith attended the TV community’s finish of 12 months celebrations at The Ivy in Sydney on Saturday, earlier than workers 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 mentioned.
“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.”
Smith advised The Daily Telegraph he had no recollection of the occasions.
The radio and TV persona has made headlines for his behaviour previously. He was equally suspended by 2GB in 2009 for allegedly harassing 4 ladies on the Christmas celebration that 12 months.
At the time, Smith advised The Sunday Telegraph the incident had destroyed his household and will damage his profession.
He admitted to being drunk on champagne and pink wine on the celebration, and that he had taken “the wrong antidepressants”.
“I was in a crazy extended drinking mode,” he mentioned.
“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 managed to return to the airwaves, however his marriage to Ali Smith, with whom he shares two kids, didn’t survive the incident.
It is known his spouse, nutritionist Susie Burrell, with whom he shares twin boys, has moved out of the household dwelling following his newest scandal.
Originally printed as TV and radio presenter Chris Smith sacked from 2GB and Sky News after Christmas celebration scandal
