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Matt Lauer

NBC won't authorize outside investigation of Matt Lauer sexual misconduct allegations

Bill Keveney
USA TODAY

NBC won't open a new investigation into sexual misconduct allegations that led to the firing of former "Today" host Matt Lauer in 2017.

The accusations against Lauer and the network's response returned to the spotlight recently with the release of Pulitzer Prize winner Ronan Farrow's book, "Catch and Kill."  Two former NBC News employees, Megyn Kelly and Linda Vester, on Wednesday called for a new investigation to be conducted by an outside firm.

NBCUniversal Thursday confirmed to USA TODAY that the network wouldn't pursue a new investigation. In comments to The Hollywood Reporter, NBC spokesperson Hilary Smith said the network is "very confident" in the 2018 report that resulted from an internal corporate investigation.

More:Ronan Farrow says NBC’s alleged cover-up of sexual misconduct is ‘bigger’ than Matt Lauer

More:NBC releases Matt Lauer investigation, finds 'no evidence' leadership knew of misconduct

"This was a company where accusers with sexual harassment complaints were being paid out to sweep the problem under the rug," Ronan Farrow says of NBC's alleged cover-up.

"We fired Matt Lauer within 24 hours of learning what he did, and promptly launched a corporate investigation," Smith told THR. "Based on our investigative findings, we have swiftly taken appropriate actions to address the situation and improve workplace culture. It is also worth noting that this was a corporate investigation that was conducted by an almost entirely female team, none of whom are part of the News division."

More:Brooke Nevils says Matt Lauer is victim-blaming; second accuser calls his words 'triggering'

The investigation, led by NBCUniversal general counsel Kimberly Harris, found "no evidence indicating that any NBC News or Today Show leadership," human resources or others "in positions of authority in the News Division received any complaints" about Lauer's workplace behavior until Nov. 27, 2017, just two days before his termination. 

In his new book, Farrow, who won a Pulitzer for his reporting on the Harvey Weinstein sexual misconduct scandal, said NBC had received multiple complaints about Lauer before the one that resulted in his firing. Farrow, who took his Weinstein story to The New Yorker after NBC declined to run it, told USA TODAY that NBC has engaged in a cover-up and that the story is "bigger" than the allegations against Lauer.

More:Megyn Kelly calls on NBC to allow outside investigation into accusations against Matt Lauer

NBC News President Noah Oppenheim disputed Farrow's allegations and says the author has an "ax to grind." Lauer denied a rape allegation made in Farrow's book. 

Both Kelly, who hosted an hour of "Today" before her departure last October, and former NBC News correspondent Vester called for an outside investigation during appearances on Fox News.

"The question is open to whether they put dollars ahead of decency. Were they more interested in protecting their star anchor over the women of the company?" Kelly said. "There needs to be an outside investigation in this company. They investigated themselves, that doesn’t work."

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