As of this morning Chris Smith won’t be filling in for Ben Fordham over the summer break, as planned, following an alleged incident after a Sky News Christmas party.
“Sky News host Chris Smith will not appear on air on Sunday evening and has been suspended from the broadcaster and his radio network 2GB indefinitely, pending an investigation into allegations of misconduct after a Christmas party over the weekend,” writes Zoe Samios in The Sydney Morning Herald. “Smith was stood down immediately on Saturday over allegedly making lewd comments and other inappropriate behaviour at an after-party event at The Establishment in Sydney, according to multiple media sources who requested anonymity to speak freely.”
A 2GB spokesperson told The SMH: “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. Chris has been stood down from his duties at 2GB until the investigation has concluded.”
Smith, who celebrated 22 years with 2GB a just a few weeks ago has form with similar allegations of lewd behaviour in the past. He was stood down from station in 2009 after an alleged groping incident at a 2GB Christmas party.
The Sunday Telegraph, ran an apology in which Smith blamed his behaviour on drinking and taking “the wrong antidepressants”.
“I was in a crazy extended drinking mode,” he said.
“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.”