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The globe was certainly stunned when reports emerged thatMatt Lauerwas let go from “Today” following claims of sexual misconduct. The co-anchor — who had been with the program for 20 years — was dismissed by NBC News in 2017 after multiple female coworkers accused him of inappropriate sexual conduct, especially during the 2014 Sochi Olympics (viaNBC News). However, it wasn’t only his victims, the fans who had supported him for years, or NBC studio that dealt with the consequences of his actions. It also included his fellow anchors, who were suddenly forced to confront the truth that this man was not who they believed him to be.
Indeed, his “Today” co-workers, Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb, found his accusations to be “shocking and appalling.” Guthrie responded to the claims and expressed her backing for Lauer’s victims, stating, “We support [colleague Brooke Nevills] and any women who speak out. And it is extremely painful. For all of us at NBC who are part of the ‘Today’ show, it is very, very challenging,” according toThe Hollywood Reporter.
But it wasn’t only Guthrie and Kotb who were taken aback by their co-host’s behavior — it was also a long-time friend and colleagueKatie Couric, as well.
Read more: News Anchors Who Cannot Be Recognized Without Makeup
Couric was concerned about Lauer, even with the accusations against him.
According to Romper, Katie Couricand Matt Lauer collaborated at NBC for more than 15 years, between 1991 and 2006. Even though they were friends, according to a 2012 interview that definitely doesn’t hold up, Couric jokes about how Lauer would frequently “pinch her on the butt,” which she considered his most irritating habit (viaTMZ).
In late October 2021, Couricwill be publishing her autobiography, titled “Going There,” in which she talks about her childhood, beginning career, years at NBC, and some of the most contentious events of her career that she has not yet addressed — until now (viaAmazon). The Daily MailReceived an early copy of the memoir and verified that Couric indeed addresses the controversy involving Lauer’s sexual misconduct accusations and his eventual dismissal. As stated in the memoir, Couric sent Lauer a message right after learning about the allegation. In the text, she wrote, “I am devastated. I love you and care about you very much. I’m here. Please let me know if you want to talk. There will be better days ahead,” the message to Lauer read.
She also clarifies in her book that, even with the terrible accusations, she apparently felt sympathy for her former co-anchor and considered him to be a “good” person.
Couric thinks this can be acquired through the circumstances
While Savannah Guthrie and Hoda KotbMany used their platforms to address rape culture, sexual assault, and supporting victims in response to Lauer’s accusations, while Couric seemed more focused on defending her longtime co-anchor. In her memoir, Couric stated that although she read about all the “terrible things” Lauer had done, she couldn’t stop worrying about him, fearing he was “sleepless, tired, depressed, perhaps worse,” according to her.the Daily MailShe also clarifies in her book that, although there were severe accusations, she actually felt sympathy for her former co-anchor and considered him to be a “good” person.
In 2019, Couric discussed her present relationship with Lauer and the challenge of seeing her friend go through such difficult times. She shared these thoughts at the Dress for Success annual Women Who Inspire event, stating, “It has been painful for me in many ways, particularly when trying to comprehend what was happening with Matt, who I believe ended up being two completely different people, in terms of our relationship compared to other aspects of his life,” she remembered, according toVariety. In general, Couric stated that the key lesson from Lauer’s case—and many similar ones—is that more women should hold positions of authority.
Real change doesn’t occur unless there’s a woman in a position of true power and influence, and I genuinely think that the culture of a company and its standards are set by the top leadership.
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