Broadcaster Chris Smith has been dismissed by both Sky News Australia and Nine Entertainment following allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards women at a Sydney venue after a Sky News Christmas party. Nine's managing director of radio, Tom Malone, stated that Smith's actions constituted a serious breach of his contract and were not aligned with the values of 2GB.
Sky News chief executive Paul Whittaker confirmed the termination, citing an investigation into serious misconduct. This marks the second time Smith has been sacked by Nine for inappropriate behaviour with female colleagues, the first being in 1998 when he exposed himself to female staff after a farewell lunch at the Nine boardroom.
The recent incident occurred at the Establishment bar in Sydney's CBD, where Smith allegedly behaved inappropriately towards Sky colleagues. In 2009, he was stood down from his role on 2GB after allegedly groping a female colleague at a Christmas party.
Smith's colleague Ray Hadley stated that Smith should not return to the network, echoing sentiments from Sky News presenters Andrew Bolt and Rita Panahi. Bolt alleged Smith got drunk, groped a woman, and propositioned others, adding that his recovery should take place elsewhere. Panahi said Smith could never be on the network again given how he made women feel.
Smith apologised for his humiliating behaviour, attributing it to alcoholism and mental health struggles. He expressed devastation at upsetting his colleagues and apologised profusely to the women involved.
