5 Black celebrities whose careers were cut short due to sex scandals

Tavis Smiley

American talk show host and author, Tavis Smiley, was caught on the wrong side of the law after investigations by Variety revealed he was engaged in sexual relationships with “multiple subordinates”.

Workers told investigators that Smiley was a verbally abusive and threatening boss who tied the success of his employees to their sexual relations with him. After the allegations, PBS announced it was suspending distribution of the late-night talk show.

RELATED STORIES

From humble beginnings to Queen’s right-hand man, how Ken Olisa became the most powerful black man in Britain

The forgotten story of Guzman-McMillan, 9/11's last survivor who was trapped in rubble for 27 hours

Meet Ghana’s youngest real estate developer transforming the construction industry at just 22

These romantic wedding photos of African leaders will make you fall in love again

However, in a video and statement posted on Facebook, Smiley said: “I have never groped, inappropriately exposed myself, or coerced any colleague in the workplace, ever, in my 30-year career.”