Katie Couric Calls Matt Lauer’s Alleged Rape Victim Brooke Nevils ‘Very Brave’

Katie Couric Praises Brooke Nevils for Her Courage Amid Matt Lauer Allegations

Katie Couric, the esteemed former co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” show, recently spoke out about Brooke Nevils, the woman who accused Matt Lauer, Couric’s ex-colleague, of sexual assault. Couric described Nevils as “very brave” for coming forward and sharing her harrowing experience in her memoir, shedding light on a dark chapter in the media industry.

The allegations against Matt Lauer, who was once a prominent figure on morning television, have sparked widespread discussion about workplace misconduct and the importance of believing survivors. Nevils’ memoir, titled *Unspeakable Things: Silence, Shame and the Stories We Choose to Believe*, details her accusations against Lauer, including an alleged rape during the 2014 Sochi Olympics and another incident in the “Today” show office.

Though Couric has not read the entire memoir, she has reviewed excerpts and expressed profound sympathy for Nevils. Speaking at the City Harvest Presents The 2026 Gala: Shaken, Not Stirred, Couric said, “I feel terrible for her. I think she’s very brave to write the book.” Her remarks highlight the growing recognition of survivors’ voices and the courage it takes to confront powerful figures publicly.

The Background of the Matt Lauer Scandal and Brooke Nevils’ Story

Matt Lauer was a household name for nearly two decades as a co-anchor on NBC’s “Today” show, sharing the screen with Katie Couric from 1997 until 2006. However, his career came to an abrupt end in 2017 after multiple women, including Brooke Nevils, accused him of sexual misconduct.

Nevils, a former NBC employee, filed a complaint against Lauer in 2017. Her allegations include being raped by Lauer during the Sochi Olympics coverage in 2014 and another assault in his office at the “Today” show. These claims contributed to Lauer’s swift dismissal from NBC and ignited a broader conversation about sexual harassment and abuse of power in the workplace.

Despite Lauer’s public statement expressing remorse for some of his behavior, he denied the rape allegations, claiming his relationship with Nevils was consensual. Meanwhile, Nevils’ memoir has been praised for its candid and powerful narrative, encouraging other survivors to speak out.

Katie Couric’s acknowledgment of Nevils’ bravery serves as a significant gesture of support from someone who once worked closely with Lauer. It also underscores the importance of empathy and accountability in addressing such serious accusations.

Katie Couric Reflects on Her Time at NBC and the Impact of the Scandal

Katie Couric left the “Today” show in 2006 after a successful 15-year run. She fondly remembers her time on the program, describing it as one of the best jobs in television news due to its variety and unique environment. Couric noted that despite the challenging hours, the show fostered a familial atmosphere unlike any other.

Couric’s comments at the City Harvest gala, where she appeared alongside her husband John Molner, were measured and compassionate. She emphasized her respect for Nevils and the significance of her memoir in bringing attention to issues of sexual violence and silence.

The scandal involving Matt Lauer has had lasting repercussions for NBC and the broader media landscape. It has prompted networks to reexamine their policies on workplace harassment and prioritize creating safer environments for employees.

Couric’s public support for Nevils aligns with a growing movement among public figures to stand with survivors and advocate for systemic change. Her remarks contribute to the ongoing dialogue about how society addresses allegations of sexual misconduct, especially involving influential individuals.

Conclusion

Katie Couric’s praise for Brooke Nevils as “very brave” shines a light on the courage it takes to confront abuse and share painful experiences publicly. As the conversation around Matt Lauer’s alleged misconduct continues, Couric’s empathy and respect for Nevils underscore the importance of supporting survivors and fostering accountability in the media industry. If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, don’t hesitate to seek help. Contact the Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-330-0226 for support and resources today.