By The Associated Press
By The Associated Press
Katie Couric, who was Matt Lauer’s « Today » co-host for several years, broke her silence Saturday on sexual misconduct allegations against him.
Couric told People magazine: « I had no idea this was going on during my tenure or after I left. »
She departed NBC in 2006 to anchor the « CBS Evening News » and has been criticized for her silence in the more than a month since Lauer was fired. NBC News conducted an investigation of a Lauer colleague’s detailed complaint of « inappropriate sexual behavior. » Other women have come forward with accusations against him.
« I think I speak for many of my former colleagues when I say this was not the Matt we knew, » Couric told People. « Matt was a kind and generous colleague who treated me with respect. In fact, a joke I once made on late-night television was just that, because it was completely contrary to our brother-sister relationship. It’s still very upsetting. I really admire the way Savannah (Guthrie) and Hoda (Kotb) and the entire ‘Today’ show staff have handled a very difficult situation. »
Couric was referring to a remark she made in 2012 on « Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen » that Lauer « pinches me on the ass a lot. » The clip received wide attention online after Lauer’s firing in late November.
Couric’s only other public statement on Lauer was one she made on Instagram last month in response to a user who chided her for not speaking out: « It’s incredibly upsetting and I will say something when I’m ready to. Thanks for your interest. »
Lauer has since apologized in a statement.
Couric is working on a six-part documentary series for the National Geographic channel called « Gender Revolution: A Journey with Katie Couric » and said one episode will focus on harassment women have faced in the workplace.
« The whole thing has been very painful for me, » Couric told People of Lauer’s behavior. « The accounts I’ve read and heard have been disturbing, distressing and disorienting and it’s completely unacceptable that any woman at the ‘Today’ show experienced this kind of treatment. »
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