PBS filed a countersuit on Tuesday in response to Tavis Smiley's lawsuit against the broadcaster for a breach of contract. The counterclaim states that new witnesses, many of whom are allegedly women of color, have come forward to detail accounts of Smiley's sexual misconduct and inappropriate behavior, the Associated Press reported. 

Smiley was suspended from PBS in December and later dropped amid sexual misconduct allegations made against him. In February, the talk-show host sued PBS seeking "multiple millions" for a breach of contract with his firing. He also claimed that PBS was "racially hostile" and showed racial bias in booking black guests on his show, The Hollywood Reporter reported.

On Tuesday, PBS filed a countersuit seeking $1.9 million in returned salary from Smiley, the AP reported. "PBS acted at all times justifiably, in good faith and with reasonable care and diligence," the filing said according to the AP.

The countersuit, captured by The Hollywood Reporter, claims an investigation by an outside law firm revealed new complaints of sexual misconduct. 

"During a subsequent investigation conducted by an outside law firm, numerous other individuals, many of whom are women of color, who worked with Mr. Smiley or [Tavis Smiley Media] reported detailed accounts of Mr. Smiley engaging in inappropriate behavior and sexual misconduct…"

Smiley has denied the allegations since his firing. On Friday, he and his representatives reportedly told the AP that PBS is spreading "more lies." 

"More lies, half- truths and smears from PBS from an 'investigation' that never should have happened, with a result that was decided well before the inquiry was even begun," an e-mail statement to the AP from Smiley and his representatives read.