"I put my hand on a woman's bare back."

These were the words spoken by Garrison Keillor after news struck early Wednesday afternoon that he'd been ousted from Minnesota Public Radio (MPR). Lately, the string of sexual allegations coming to light against long-standing news anchors has become more frequent. Yet, this one was especially shocking, even if it did slip past many who were still dumbfounded by Matt Lauer's fall from grace, which was revealed with this morning's news.

The radio legend reacts to the shocking news

Millions tuned in to hear Keillor tell his trademark, humorous anecdotes each week as the anchor of 'A Prairie Home Companion.' Though musician Chris Thile (best known as the frontman for folk band Nickel Creek), took over the hosting gig in October 2016, Keillor remains the face and voice most closely associated with the beloved variety show, which he created in 1974.

In an email to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Keillor didn't address the allegations specifically but did detail a moment he touched a woman on the back, which he believes to be at the root of the complaint.

He states, in part, "I meant to pat her on the back...and her shirt was open, and my hand went up it about six inches." He goes on to state that he immediately apologized and also sent a written apology and believed he and the woman were on good terms until he was hit with a call from her lawyer today.

To give a more detailed character sketch, he describes himself as "a stone statue," claiming that throughout his 50-year career, he was around musicians and actors who were inclined to embrace and be affectionate with one another, but he preferred to stand off to the side and not partake.

Married since 1995 to his third wife, violinist Jenny Lind Nilsson, Keillor revealed in a statement that the incident has brought him closer to his spouse and that at his age, he has no interest in disputing the story or countering with a different claim.

A new chapter in a book that was almost closed

The news comes at a time in Keillor's career where he has less at stake professionally, but everything to lose reputation-wise.

Though he retired from A Prairie Home Companion last year, he stayed on with MPR and continued to produce 'The Writer’s Almanac' for the organization's parent company, American Public Media.

As a result, MPR revealed in a press statement today that they will cease distribution and broadcast of "The Writer's Almanac." They also plan to separate their name from the PrairieHome.org website, as well as the online catalog, "Pretty Good Goods" which sells Keillor-branded merchandise.

Perhaps the most scorching move yet? MPR also plans to rename "A Prairie Home Companion" to remove all ties with Keillor. Now, the program he carried for half a century is all but erased, leaving audiences around the world dumbfounded, and our Saturday nights a little darker.
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