Former ‘106 & Park’ Host AJ Calloway Let Go From ‘Extra’ Following Sexual Misconduct Claims

A.J. Calloway made a name for himself as one of the original hosts of BET’s 106 & Park. After he and co-host Free left the show in 2005, he landed a job as a host on Extra, where he continued to work as a television host. Calloway was suspended from his role at Extra in February of this year after mounting reports of sexual misconduct claims, and now things have taken another turn—and not in his favor.

Warner Bros. issues statement about Calloway’s employment with ‘Extra’

Warner Bros., the parent company of Extra TV, initially placed Calloway on suspension after learning about rape allegations. At the time, the company conducted its own investigation into whether there were any victims on the job, but in light of multiple reports, decided to expand the scope of their inquiries.

The Associated Press reported that last week Warner Bros. announced, “The company has investigated the claims made into Mr. Calloway’s conduct and he and the company have mutually agreed to part ways.”

At the time of his suspension in February, Calloway’s attorney, Lisa E. Davis, stated that her client called the claims against him false and he intended to clear his name. She told The Hollywood Reporter:

“These allegations are completely false. Mr. Calloway has never sexually assaulted anyone and is devastated that he is being falsely accused of such terrible conduct. Throughout his career, Mr. Calloway has been a tireless advocate for community empowerment and equality and justice for all people regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation or gender expression.” 

When the claims against Calloway began

Last June, The Hollywood Reporter spoke to journalist Sil Lai Abrams who shared that she was sexually assaulted by Calloway in New York in 2006. He was arrested but the charges were dismissed on a technicality.

A few months later, two other women decided to come forward with similar stories that were published in the Daily Beast. They both said they were raped by Calloway, and one decided to break her anonymity and told THR that after reading about Abrams, she reported her 2008 assault to the police in West Orange County, New Jersey. Since last June, multiple accusers have spoken out and THR published their accounts in an article detailing the insidious encounters.

According to the article, the incidents occurred between 2003 and 2013 and in multiple states including California and New Jersey, and sometimes the assaults took place at his house.

Many of the women noted that they initially never thought that he would be the type who would commit such an act. Based on his image as a “family man” and his demeanor on television, Calloway seemed like a trustworthy individual. He’s been married to his current wife since 2013 and has three children.

Since news broke that the former host was let go from Extra, no one from his camp—including his attorney—has issued a statement. There are several open criminal investigations pending with regard to sexual assault claims. At this time, no other formal charges have been filed against Calloway.