Over the weekend, around 100 of Tom Brokaw’s former colleagues, including some big names at NBC and MSNBC, released a letter supporting Brokaw against allegations that the longtime NBC anchor had sexually harassed and intimidated a female NBC employee.
But now, the New York Post reports that letter may not have been an impromptu expression of appreciation for a mentor and veteran newsman. According to the Post’s exclusive report, women at NBC were pressured to sign the letter and feared what might happen to them if they refused.
“We felt forced to sign the letter supporting Brokaw. We had no choice, particularly the lower level staffers. The letter was being handed around the office and the unspoken threat was that if your name was not on it, there would be some repercussion down the road. Execs are watching to see who signed and who didn’t.” an anonymous staffer told Post reporters. “This was all about coming out in force to protect NBC’s golden boy; the network’s reputation is tied to Brokaw. … If more women come forward, that’s a big problem.”
Another woman told the Post that they felt “intimidated” by big names like Andrea Mitchell, who were so sure of Brokaw’s innocence that they signed without question: “When you have over 100 women like Andrea Mitchell signing a letter of support without knowing the facts, it’s pretty scary. … The letter will have a chilling effect on other women coming forward.”
The letter was also signed by Mika Brzezinski, Rachel Maddow, and Maria Shriver, and at least one high-level NBC producer.
Brokaw has responded forcefully to allegations which surfaced last week claiming he sexually harassed, intimidated, and bullied female NBC reporters back in the 1990s. Linda Vester, a former NBC cub reporter who worked with Brokaw, says Brokaw “groped and assaulted” her. Another anonymous woman claims Brokaw made “unwanted advances” on more than one occasion.
The letter was already being viewed with some skepticism, particularly since some of the signatories were vocal in their support of victims who came forward during the #MeToo movement and suggested that women with allegations be believed even without evidence. This makes the missive even more suspect.
For their part, NBC says they have nothing to do with the letter and claim that the women involved organized the effort outside of the workplace.