Summary: With the Matt Lauer sexual harassment scandal, NBC is taking steps to prevent future incidents by issuing a new set of rules, although some are slightly odd.
NBC has laid out a new set of rules regarding sexual harassment among staffers as a result of the incident involving their former “Today” host Matt Lauer. The new rules, provided to Page Six from a source, require colleagues to report on each other.
NBC employees have been ordered to report to Human Resources any colleagues engaging in inappropriate behavior. Otherwise, they risk being fired themselves for covering up misconduct. The source reported, “Romantic relationships at work are not exactly unusual, but now NBC says it is taking a zero-tolerance approach. Staffers have been told that if they find out about any affairs, romances, inappropriate relationships or behavior in the office, they have to report it to human resources, their superior or the company anti-harassment phone line. Staffers are shocked that they are now expected to snitch on their friends.”
The source added, “Plus, there’s been a series of ridiculous rules issued on other office conduct. One rule relates to hugging. If you wish to hug a colleague, you have to do a quick hug, then an immediate release, and step away to avoid body contact. Also, there’s strict rules about socializing, including [not] sharing taxis home and [not] taking vegans to steakhouses.”
In an announcement earlier this month, NBC explained that all employees will be required to finish anti-harassment training and the network will conduct a “culture assessment” of the news division. Andy Lack, Chairman of NBC News, indicated in a memo to staff that at least 40 employees were interviewed during their review of the “inappropriate sexual conduct” allegations against Lauer, who was later fired as a result of what was uncovered in the interviews.
Lauer, a $25 million-a-year anchor, was let go by NBC in November for “inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace.” A former intern approached the network with allegations against Lauer from 2014 during the Sochi Olympics. The intern claimed he had made advances towards her when they were working the event. She provided evidence in the form of a photograph that was hard to dispute, “which is why the firing came so quickly.” Apparently, the photo “showed incontrovertible proof of inappropriate sexual behavior on his part.”
NBC has been accused of knowing about Lauer’s behavior but doing nothing about it until now because of the #MeToo movement. The “Today” morning show has been referred to as a “total boys’ club”. A show staffer said, “Everybody at NBC knew about Matt Lauer’s sexually inappropriate behavior – and knew not to talk about it. Women did complain about his behavior, and there were a lot of closed-door meetings before it was all brushed under the carpet.”
Another staffer noted, “Matt’s sexual conquests were general office fodder. There was constant innuendo in the office about which woman had just had sex with Matt and which one would be next.”
Do you think there are more men than people think that are guilty of this kind of behavior? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
To learn more about Matt Lauer’s firing, read these articles:
- Matt Lauer Could be Nearing End at “Today”
- Matt Lauer Fired by NBC for Sexual Misconduct
- Matt Lauer Responds to Sexual Assault Allegations
Photo: inquisitr.com