Expose Lauer’s enablers

NBC News may think that it’s solved its problem by firing “Today” host Matt Lauer before the publication of explosive exposés into his chronic sexual harassment there. If there’s real justice, the network’s troubles have only just begun — because the termination came years too late, after multiple complaints by female staffers. And then, by all accounts, NBC feigned surprise.

Early Wednesday, the news division’s chairman, Andy Lack, called the dismissal the swift result of “the first complaint about (Lauer’s) behavior in the over 20 years he’s been at NBC News.”

A Variety story hours later blew that spin to shreds. It detailed a pattern of repugnant behavior: Lauer quizzing female co-workers on their sexual habits, sending one a sex toy with a note on how he’d use it, dropping his pants and exposing himself to another. Lauer even had a special button installed in his office allowing him to lock the door remotely.

A New York Times investigation later revealed two more complaints, including one by a woman summoned to Lauer’s office for sex.

Variety punctuated its report with a revelation that strikes at the heart of NBC’s leadership: “Several women told Variety they complained to executives at the network about Lauer’s behavior, which fell on deaf ears given the lucrative advertising surrounding ‘Today.’ ”

We don’t yet know who at the Peacock Network protected their $25 million man, or when, or how: whether by refusing to report complaints, or intimidating staffers, or just failing to confront Lauer over what should have been firing offenses.

Brass at Comcast, owners of NBCUniversal, must order an independent investigation now. Dig deep, find the facts, expose and discipline all those who ran interference for a harasser.