More allegations of sex harassment
Anchor Matt Lauer, music mogul Russell Simmons face new accusations.
One day after Matt Lauer was fired for inappropriate sexual behavior at work, the former Today anchor said “I realize the depth of the damage and disappointment I have left behind at home and at NBC.”
In a statement read by Savannah Guthrie on the morning show Thursday,
Lauer said “There are no words to express my sorrow and regret for the pain I have caused others by words and actions.”
Lauer continued, admitting to the veracity of some details in the allegation. “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,” he said.
In a memo sent by NBC News Chairman Andy Lack notifying staff of Lauer’s termination, he said the or-
ganization had only received one complaint against Lauer in his tenure but was “presented with reason to believe this may not have been an isolated incident.”
But shortly after news of Lauer’s firing broke, Variety published a report that focused on three women who identified themselves as victims of sexual harassment by Lauer. And by the end of the day Wednesday, The New York Times published a piece indicating the network had received, at a minimum, two additional complaints.
NBC News’ Stephanie Gosk confirmed there are as many as eight accusers, though tallying is difficult as the accounts have been anonymous. Gosk ap- peared on Megyn Kelly Today on Thursday fielding questions from the host about her Lauer investigation.
Several accusers told Variety “they complained to executives at the network about Lauer’s behavior, which fell on deaf ears.”
NBC has denied this, telling NBC News that current management “was never made aware.”
After Kelly brought up the report of sexual assault from The New York
Times, Gosk said the New York City Police Department and police departments in Long Island have been contacted, and she is unaware of any open criminal investigations of Lauer.
An emailed statement to USA TODAY on Thursday, issued by Sgt. Jessica McRorie, Deputy Commissioner Public Information, said: “The NYPD is not investigating any complaints against Matt Lauer at this time.”