The results of NBC‘s internal investigation into Matt Lauer‘s inappropriate workplace behavior are in, and the network apparently found NO evidence of employees complaining about the former Today show host “prior to November 27, 2017.”
Almost 70 current and former employees were interviewed in the investigation, led by NBCUniversal general counsel Kim Harris, many of whom reportedly “expressed shock” after reading the reports of Lauer’s behavior, “including employees who spent significant amounts of time with” him.
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According to the report, the four women who accused Lauer “confirmed that they did not tell their direct manager or anyone else in a position of authority about their sexual encounters with Lauer.” The report added that no one at Today show leadership or News HR said they received a complaint about Lauer’s inappropriate workplace behavior, and investigators “did not find any contrary evidence.”
Those who were interviewed said they were unaware that Lauer “had engaged in sexual activity with other employees.” While many admitted they “heard or read rumors about Lauer’s personal life… and the possibility of extramarital affairs,” the interviewees apparently assumed that “the rumored extramarital affairs were with women outside of the Company.”
Even though Lauer was known for being “flirtatious” in the workplace, most witnesses reportedly “had positive things to say about Lauer’s demeanor in the workplace.” The report stated:
“A number of individuals interviewed said that Lauer could be flirtatious, would frequently make jokes, some with sexual overtones, and would openly engage in sexually-oriented banter in the workplace. Several women also credibly described to the investigation team being the subject of what they believed was a sexual overture from Lauer in which he complimented them on their appearance in sexually suggestive ways. According to these women, Lauer did not pursue them further when they deflected or ignored the overture, and they did not experience any retaliation. All these women stated that they did not report this behavior to anyone in a position of authority.”
While the four complainants didn’t officially report the alleged behavior, they “said that they believe former NBC News or Today Show leadership knew or must have known about Lauer’s alleged inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace.”
Related: Tom Brokaw Vehemently Denies Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Current NBC News chairman Andy Lack cleared the air on the issue in a separate message to employees Wednesday morning, noting that the alleged behavior went down at “a time when people were not comfortable coming forward to voice complaints about repugnant behavior.”
Lack made it clear that going forward, network employees need to be more upfront about the issues they face in the workplace. He wrote:
“That is not acceptable. We cannot change the past. What we can do is learn from it, and try to make it right. We have already begun to turn the page to establish a safer and more respectful environment. That requires strong, specific steps in a sustained manner to transform the culture.”
The report also attempted to clear up the drama surrounding the desk button in Lauer’s office. Like Katie Couric recently claimed, it was misreported that the button on Lauer’s desk locked his office door.
The report claimed that “according to the NBCUniversal facilities team, the button is a commonly available feature in executive offices in multiple NBCUniversal facilities to provide an efficient way to close the door without getting up from the desk. The button releases a magnet that holds the door open. It does not lock the door from the inside.”
Not every NBC News employee is happy with Lauer’s spotless report card, however. Multiple staffers spoke to The Hollywood Reporter saying they felt that the probe should have been outsourced, as an internal investigation might not be taken as seriously.
But nevermind what Ann Curry probably thinks — what do YOU think about these results, Perezious Readers!?
[Image via Dan Jackman/WENN.]
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