New York attorney general investigating sexual harassment, discrimination claims at NBC News: report

An investigation into claims of sexual harassment and gender discrimination at NBC News is reportedly still ongoing after New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) launched it late last year.

The Daily Mail and Variety reported the existence of the investigation on Tuesday, with sources telling the news outlet that at least a dozen current and former NBC News staffers have been interviewed.

Among those reportedly interviewed was Megyn Kelly, the former “Today” show co-host and Fox News anchor who left NBC News in 2018 after winning a $69 million contract with the network.

An NBCUniversal spokesperson denied knowledge of the investigation to Variety, saying “[w]e are not aware of any inquiry.” The network did not immediately return a request for further comment from The Hill.

One former NBC News employee who said that now-ousted “Today” co-host Matt Lauer pursued her for a sexual relationship when she was a 24-year-old assistant on the show told Variety that the investigation is centered on the culture at the network. Lauer lost his job in 2017 after an unspecified claim of sexual misconduct, and was revealed to be the target of a rape accusation in a 2019 book from journalist Ronan Farrow.

“The New York attorney general’s office interviewed me about the culture at NBC News and my experience as a young production assistant, including my interactions with Matt Lauer in the newsroom,” Addie Zinone told the magazine.

“It’s time to ask what top management at NBC and other outlets are doing to change the culture that allowed Lauer, along with numerous news anchors with questionable attitudes toward women, to stay in their positions for so long,” she added.

Another woman told the magazine that New York investigators questioned her about claims of sexual harassment and retaliation she allegedly faced at the hands of now-retired MSNBC host Chris Matthews.

“I was interviewed over the phone for sexual harassment and retaliation,” the woman said.

News of the investigation comes one day after NBC News Chairman Andy Lack was ousted from the company following criticism of his handling of these issues.

“This is the right structure to lead NBCUniversal into the future during this transformational time in the industry,” said CEO Jeff Shell in a memo to staffers.