Chris Smith checks into mental health facility apologises for ’humiliating’ behaviour

The broadcaster described his behaviour as ‘humiliating’ after being suspended from work after his drunken conduct at a Sky News Christmas party last week.

Chris Smith has checked into a mental health facility and apologised for his “humiliating” behaviour at a work event.

Suspended Sky News and 2GB broadcaster Chris Smith has checked himself into a mental health facility and has apologised to the women he upset at a work Christmas party.

The 60-year-old broadcaster was suspended from both of his media roles after allegations of inappropriate behaviour at an end-of-year work party at the weekend.

In a statement on Monday, Mr Smith apologised “profusely” for his “humiliating” behaviour.

“I am beyond gutted and devastated to know I have upset my colleagues after our Christmas Party,” Smith said in a statement on Monday.

“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.”

Smith was drinking with Sky colleagues at Sydney bar The Establishment on Saturday evening after the official Sky Christmas party had concluded when the alleged incident took place.

He is understood to have been involved in inappropriate behaviour with multiple female staff, resulting in one employee striking him.

Smith said the incident occured due to bipolar disorder and a “recurring problem with alcohol”, saying “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,” he said.

He also apologised to his colleagues, saying he was “terribly upset about humiliating myself with people I respect and admire”.

“I have been blessed to call them close colleagues.

“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’m very sorry.”

2GB immediately suspended Smith following the incident, pending an “investigation has concluded”.

A Sky News spokeswoman confirmed that Smith had been suspended from the network.

“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 was scheduled to appear on Sky’s Chris Smith Tonight as well as hosting his own 2GB show on Saturday and Sunday mornings. He did not appear on either program.

Sky News Australia is owned by News Corp Australia, publisher of The Australian.

Smith did not respond to questions from The Australian on Sunday.

Originally published as Chris Smith checks into mental health facility apologises for ’humiliating’ behaviour