Brooke Nevils Reveals Matt Lauer Story in NPR’s ‘Unspeakable Things’
Brooke Nevils, a former producer on NBC’s Today Show, has come forward with her experiences involving Matt Lauer in her new memoir, “Unspeakable Things: Silence, Shame, and the Stories We Choose to Believe.” Growing up in St. Louis, Nevils was inspired by the show and pursued a career in journalism, eventually landing a position in the NBC page program. In 2014, she played a role in NBC’s coverage of the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
Connection with Matt Lauer
During her time in Sochi, Nevils had a remarkable encounter with Lauer while celebrating with her colleagues. She recalled feeling a mix of disbelief and excitement as she shared a table with the renowned anchor. However, the evening took a dark turn when Lauer invited her to his hotel room, where she alleges he sexually assaulted her.
Aftermath and Career Impact
Following the incident, Nevils found herself in a complex emotional state. Although they engaged in additional encounters after returning to New York, the weight of the situation led her to remain silent for several years, fearing repercussions for her career. As the #MeToo movement gained traction, she ultimately decided to report the incident to human resources, which resulted in Lauer’s termination.
Speaking Out in “Unspeakable Things”
In her memoir, Nevils reflects on the power dynamics at play and the challenges faced by those in subordinate positions. She emphasizes the difficulty of reporting harassment when the perpetrator holds significant influence.
- Impact on Career: “I assumed that the only career that would be ended by that would be mine,” Nevils stated, expressing her fear of speaking out.
- Emotional Complexity: Nevils aims to convey the confusion and emotional turmoil surrounding her experience, highlighting that reactions often come rapidly and without forethought.
- Language Around Assault: She also notes the limitations in our language for discussing sexual assault, stressing that the typical narrative often overlooks the reality of such experiences involving familiar individuals.
Reflecting on Motherhood
As a married mother of two, Nevils contemplates the implications of her story on her children. She believes it is essential to prepare them for life’s challenges by sharing her experiences. “It’s my job to prepare them for the hard things in life,” she explains. “I still didn’t deserve what happened to me.”
Brooke Nevils’ story in “Unspeakable Things” sheds light on the nuances of power, consent, and the complexities of speaking out against sexual misconduct. Her journey illustrates the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths and fosters a broader dialogue on the subject.
