Sky News has announced Chris Smith’s employment with the news network has been terminated.
In a statement on Tuesday, Sky News Australia’s CEO Paul Whittaker said Smith’s contract has been terminated due to allegations of “serious misconduct”.
“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”, he said.
“We continue to offer support to affected staff members whose welfare remains our primary concern,” Whittaker added.
On Saturday, Smith was with colleagues at the Sky Christmas party at The Ivy Sunroom and later continued with them at The Establishment, according to The Daily Telegraph.
A number of eyewitnesses alleged that Smith made lewd comments to female colleagues, inappropriately touched more than one woman, left one in tears as another was forced to strike him.
The publication noted that Smith has no recollection of the events, blaming his bipolar disorder and alcohol addiction, which outlet added was a similar explanation he provided for allegedly harassing four female colleagues at the 2GB Christmas party in 2009.
Sky News Australia had initially suspended Smith before its decision to terminate his employment, as it launched an investigation into what transpired on Saturday.
Sky News Australia’s other personalities also commented Smith. Commentator Andrew Bolt told his viewers on Monday that he wished Smith “good luck, but goodbye”.
“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.
“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.
“Good luck but goodbye”.
Fellow Sky News commentator Rita Panahi told her viewers she believed Smith’s behaviour was “totally and utterly unacceptable”.
“Chris Smith has apologised for his appalling conduct but frankly that’s not enough.”
“Of course I hope he sorts out his various issues but 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,” Panahi added.
Smith’s employment termination with Sky News comes after 2GB announced his employment had been terminated with the radio network.
See also: 2GB terminates Chris Smith following suspension from Sky News
Tom Malone, Nine’s managing director of radio, said in a statement: “Chris’ behaviour represents a serious breach of his contract and is not aligned with the values of 2GB.”
Nine has provided support to Smith in recent days and will continue to offer that support as required.
Smith has put out his own statement and revealed that he is seeking professional help at a facility. He told The Daily Telegraph: “I am beyond gutted and devastated to know I have upset my colleagues after our Christmas party.
“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.”
“I have a recurring problem with alcohol … it sends me manic. I am in a facility receiving professional help to deal conclusively with my abuse of alcohol and solve this once and for all, without qualification… it can and will be done.”
“I am also terribly upset about humiliating myself with people I respect and admire. I have been blessed to call them close colleagues,” Smith said.
“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 said.
Smith is married to nutritionist Susie Burrell and are parents to twin sons.
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Top image: Chris Smith