NBC will not be launching a new investigation into Matt Lauer’s conduct following the allegations that surfaced in Ronan Farrow’s new book.
The former Today host was accused of raping another former NBC News employee, Brooke Nevils, back in 2014. He was fired three years later. Lauer denied the encounter was anything but consensual when it surfaced earlier this month. Farrow’s reporting also shed light on the inappropriate behavior of network executives.
“There is no additional investigation being conducted. We are very confident in the report that was conducted,” NBCUniversal spokeswoman Hilary Smith told The Hollywood Reporter.
“We fired Matt Lauer within 24 hours of learning what he did, and promptly launched a corporate investigation,” she added. “Based on our investigative findings, we have swiftly taken appropriate actions to address the situation and improve workplace culture. It is also worth noting that this was a corporate investigation that was conducted by an almost entirely female team, none of whom are part of the News division.”
NBC’s decision not to conduct another investigation comes after two former network hosts called for one.
Megyn Kelly, who was at the network until a year ago, demanded an outside investigation during her Wednesday night interview with Fox News’ Tucker Carlson.
“No settlements of any kind,” she stated. “No settlements. That’s a legal sleight of hand. You can get paid out as a sexual harassment victim in something other than a settlement. You can get what’s called enhanced severance. That’s the situation where the receptionist is suddenly getting a seven-figure goodbye. She was, like, an amazing typist.”
Linda Vester, a former network host who accused Tom Brokaw of sexual harassment last year, made a similar plea also on Fox News. Vester also claimed that everyone knew “Matt was dangerous.”
