The E.W. Scripps Company announced that Malcom Maddox, a former reporter and anchor at Dayton's WKEF ABC 22/ WRGT Fox 45, would return to his job as WXYZ's morning anchor in Detroit in the following statement released today:
The E.W. Scripps Company, parent of WXYZ/WMYD, has completed an investigation into allegations made last week against two news anchors, Malcom Maddox and Stephen Clark, and station General Manager Mike Murri. The investigation found no basis for additional action against Maddox.
In 2015, the company determined that Maddox had engaged in inappropriate communications with coworkers that did not conform to company policy. At that time, Maddox received corrective action, including a two-week unpaid suspension, consistent with company procedures.
In addition, the investigation last week found no evidence that Clark acted inappropriately or that Murri covered up wrongdoing.
Scripps takes these kinds of allegations very seriously and believes everyone should be able to work in an environment where they are treated with respect and dignity. Because of these findings, Malcom Maddox is returning to anchor the morning news today.
FIRST REPORT, Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017:
A former Dayton TV news anchor and reporter is being investigated by his current TV station in Michigan after sexual harassment claims arose during a press conference.
In a post on its website, WXYZ in Detroit says its anchor Malcom Maddox was placed on administrative leave Wednesday while it investigates claims of sexual harassment.
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Maddox was a weekend anchor and reporter at Dayton's WKEF ABC 22/ WRGT Fox 45 before joining WXYZ in 2011.
The station posted the following:
Earlier today (Wednesday, Dec. 6) in a press conference by Reverend W.J. Rideout here in Detroit, allegations were made that WXYZ ignored sexual harassment complaints made by employees against Anchor Malcom Maddox.
WXYZ is actively investigating the allegations that were made in the press conference.
As we continue our investigation, Malcom Maddox has been placed on administrative leave.
WXYZ is committed to providing a safe work environment for employees and takes all complaints and allegations very seriously.
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A Pittsburgh native, Maddox mentions his ties to Dayton, his mother's hometown, in his profile on WXYZ's website.
"My best memories of my time in Dayton would have to include the look in my mother's eyes as she sat in the studio watching me anchor the news in her hometown and reporting from Washington D.C. during President Barack Obama's Inauguration," part of his profile reads.
According to the Detroit Free Press, Rev. Rideout of Our God's People Church in Detroit claimed during a press conference that WXYZ brushed aside sexual harassment allegations made about Maddox.
The pastor claimed that the station promoted Maddox and moved his accuser to a new assignment after allegations were made that he sent her inappropriate emails and texts, the Free Press reports.
Attempts to reach Maddox for comment have been unsuccessful. We will update this story as more information becomes available.
Credit: Image source: screen grab of Youtube player
Credit: Image source: screen grab of Youtube player
Sexual harassment has become a national discussion since the Harvey Weinstein sexual harassment scandal began.
In October, actress Alyssa Milano encouraged women to share their experiences with sexual harassment and assault.
>> ‘Me too’: Alyssa Milano calls on women to share sexual assault, harassment experiences
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