Sky News investigating allegations of inappropriate conduct by Chris Smith
TV and radio show host Chris Smith has checked into a mental health facility — for alcohol addiction and bipolar disorder — after engaging in inappropriate behaviour with colleagues at a recent holiday party.
The 2GB presenter and Sky News Australia presenter said he is “beyond gutted and devastated” by his behaviour, according to news.com.au.
“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,” he told the publication.
“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.”
Australia’s information, media, and telecommunications sector had the highest level of workplace sexual harassment cases over the past five years, according to a new report.
Sky News said Smith 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,” said a spokesperson, according to news.com.au.
“There will be no further comment while the investigation is carried out.”
Just recently Parliament passed the Respect@Work Bill in a bid to stamp out sexual harassment in the workplace.
Smith has been suspended before regarding inappropriate behaviour towards women at social events, according to the Guardian, including allegations of groping a woman at a Christmas party in 2009, and was fired after exposing himself to two female colleagues at a work party in the late 1990s.
