Prominent TV and radio presenter Chris Smith has checked himself into a mental health facility amid an investigation into his behaviour at a work Christmas party.
The 2GB presenter and Sky News Australia host, who has been suspended, told the Daily Telegraph he is “devastated” by the situation.
“I am beyond gutted and devastated to know I have upset my colleagues after our Christmas party,” Smith told the publication.
“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.”
It is understood his wife, nutritionist Susie Burrell, with whom he shares twin boys, has also moved out of the family home following his suspension, the publication reports.
“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 today after he was absent from the 2GB airwaves, where he was due to fill in for Ben Fordham on breakfast.
Smith attended the TV network’s end of year celebrations at The Ivy in Sydney on Saturday, before staff members moved onto The Establishment where an incident allegedly unfolded.
“The person involved has been suspended while an investigation into the allegations is undertaken,” a Sky News Australia spokesperson said.
“The welfare of our staff is our absolute priority. We have a zero-tolerance approach to inappropriate conduct and take these allegations very seriously.
“There will be no further comment while the investigation is carried out.”
Smith told the Daily Telegraph he had no recollection of the events, revealing he is “in a facility receiving professional help” for alcohol addiction and bipolar disorder.
According to the report in The Daily Telegraph, the 60-year-old father-of-four has also been stood down from 2GB pending the investigation.
“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,” a spokesman told the publication.
“Chris has been stood down from his duties at 2GB until the investigation has concluded.”
News.com.au has approached Smith for comment.
Smith, who was slated to step in for Ben Fordham from Monday, previously made headlines for his behaviour at the 2GB Christmas party in 2009, in which he was suspended for allegedly harassing four women.
At the time, Smith told The Sunday Telegraph the incident had destroyed his family and could ruin his career.
He admitted to being drunk on champagne and red wine at the party, and that he had taken “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.”
He returned to the airwaves a week later, however his marriage to his first wife Ali – who he shares two children with – did not recover.
Smith managed to resurrect his career over the years, and was set to helm a regular 5pm slot on Sky News.
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