Matt Lauer’s fall from grace was certainly shocking to some, and more than two years later, additional information about his alleged behavior during his time as a “Today” co-host came to light. As noted by Us Weekly, journalist Ronan Farrow released a book entitled “Catch and Kill” in 2019, in which former NBC employee and assistant to NBC star Meredith Vieira, Brooke Nevils, claimed that Lauer raped her at the Sochi Winter Olympics in 2014.
“It was nonconsensual in the sense that I was too drunk to consent,” she recounted to Farrow. “It was nonconsensual in that I said, multiple times, that I didn’t want to have anal sex.” In response to the troubling allegations, Lauer released a lengthy statement, refuting all notions that the encounter was not consensual. “The story Brooke tells is filled with false details intended only to create the impression this was an abusive encounter. Nothing could be further from the truth,” Lauer’s statement read. “I have never assaulted anyone or forced anyone to have sex. Period.” As noted by the Daily Mail, it was reportedly Vieira who encouraged Nevils to come forward with her story.
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN’s National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).