NBC won't launch full investigation into Tom Brokaw allegations
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NBC won’t be launching a full internal investigation into new sex harassment allegations against former news anchor Tom Brokaw, network sources told Page Six on Friday.
“She’s given her side, and he’s responded. They don’t feel there’s anything left to investigate in the case,’’ an NBC source said, adding, “We may make further inquiries if more information emerges.”
Former NBC News war correspondent Linda Vester accused Brokaw in an article in Variety on Thursday of groping her and trying to kiss her against her will in the 1990s. She said she finally came forward because she was upset with the way the network had handled sex-harassment allegations against its former “Today’’ host Matt Lauer.
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Brokaw denied Vester’s claims, and so far, it seems he has got the full backing of his NBC News bosses.
NBC News Chairman Andrew Lack briefly addressed the accusations in a memo to employees Friday — adding that the company’s review into workplace harassment sparked by the Lauer scandal was now winding down.
“There are allegations against Tom Brokaw, made by a former NBC News journalist, which Tom emphatically denies,’’ Lack wrote. “As we’ve shown, we take allegations such as these very seriously, and act on them quickly and decisively when the facts dictate.”
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He then added of Lauer, “As you know, since the week we terminated Matt’s employment, NBC Universal has been conducting a review, led by general counsel Kim Harris — who has extensive experience in conducting reviews of this kind — with a team of legal and HR leaders.
“Kim has advised us that the review is nearing its conclusion, and we will have findings and further steps to share with you as soon as next week.”
Vester’s lawyer said in a statement to Page Six on Friday, “My client stands by the allegations which speak for themselves.
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“My client has watched as a number of brave women have come forward to report extreme forms of sexual harassment at NBC,’’ added the lawyer, Ari Wilkenfeld.
“She has also observed that the Company’s response does not appear to be aimed at producing a safer and more equitable workplace for women. She felt it her duty to add her own story, not only to lend support to the other women who have already complained, but to demonstrate that this problem is not a new one, and that NBC needs to prioritize actually listening to and protecting their employees who have been victimized.”