NBC News: Matt Lauer Denied Sexual Misconduct to Network Execs Before Scandal Broke
A new report from NBC News claims that before his sexual misconduct became a huge story this week (which led to his firing), Matt Lauer denied any sexual misconduct to network executives.
Per NBC’s report, top execs were aware of reports being worked on about Lauer’s alleged actions:
But the network could not find any evidence of complaints against Lauer, or settlements that might have been reached. And when executives asked Lauer directly if there ever was any sexual misconduct, Lauer denied it, saying he was “racking his brain and couldn’t think of anything at all,” one executive said.
The executives who questioned Lauer included NBC News President Noah Oppenheim and NBC News Chairman Andy Lack.
Lack today issued a memo to NBC staff saying they are conducting “a thorough and timely review of what happened”:
New memo from Andy Lack says “a team of the most experienced NBCUniversal Legal and Human Resources leaders have begun a thorough and timely review of what happened and what we can do to build a culture of greater transparency, openness and respect for each other.“ pic.twitter.com/1tq5gQqiAb
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) December 1, 2017
NBC’s report also confirms earlier reporting from CNN about Lauer not receiving a payout. Their wording says, “The network also flatly denied that Lauer would receive any kind of monetary settlement. Lauer was fired ‘for cause’ and there will be no final payout, one executive said.”
Lauer issued an apology that said, in part, “Some of what is being said about me is untrue or mischaracterized, but there is enough truth in these stories to make me feel embarrassed and ashamed. I regret that my shame is now shared by the people I cherish dearly.”
[image via screengrab]
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