Christmas party gone wrong: 2GB’s Chris Smith suspended indefinitely

2GB’s Chris Smith has checked into a mental health facility and been suspended indefinitely after an alleged incident at the Sky News Christmas party.

Smith was to cover Ben Fordham over the summer break and will not be filling in the breakfast position due to the suspension. 

“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.”

The Christmas party took place at The Ivy in Sydney before moving to The Establishment later in the evening where the incident occurred.

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.”

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Smith said, “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 of me and do not deserve such drunken treatment.”

Smith was involved in a similar incident at the 2GB Christmas party in 2009. As a result, he was suspended for allegedly harassing four women at the event.