Brooke Nevils, a former producer on the Today Show, grew up in St. Louis, tuning into NBC every morning. To her, the show felt like family, with beloved hosts like Matt Lauer and Katie Couric shaping her view of journalism.
After studying journalism, Nevils joined NBC as a page, landing her dream job on the Today Show. Excited for the 2014 Winter Olympics, she traveled to Sochi as a talent assistant. It was a surreal experience for her, getting a chance to work alongside Lauer and others she admired. Celebrating with colleagues one night, Lauer joined their table. “I couldn’t believe I was sitting there with them,” she shared, reminiscing about the excitement of her early career.
However, the mood shifted drastically. Nevils reported that one night Lauer invited her to his hotel room and sexually assaulted her. The troubling part is that their interactions continued after they returned to New York. In a public statement, Lauer claimed their encounters were mutual and consensual.
For years, Nevils didn’t report the incident. She feared for her job, aware of the power dynamics at play. Social media’s #MeToo movement changed everything. Many women began speaking out, which helped Nevils feel safe to come forward, eventually leading to Lauer’s dismissal.
In his 2019 book, Catch and Kill, journalist Ronan Farrow detailed Nevils’ story, shedding light on the dark aspects of Hollywood and media. Nevils later released her own memoir, Unspeakable Things, where she discusses the heavy burden of sharing her experience as a mother of two.
Nevils emphasizes the emotional toll of being in a powerful work environment. “When you need approval from those in power, it can create a complicated relationship,” she noted, addressing how the fear of retaliation silences many survivors.
Through her story, Nevils aims to break that silence. She reminds us that sexual assault is often complex and not the black-and-white narrative many believe. The normalization of these experiences makes it hard for survivors to speak up.
Looking at the broader context, recent statistics show that 1 in 3 women have experienced some form of sexual harassment at work. Yet, many still hesitate to report, fearing repercussions. This ongoing issue highlights the need for safer workplaces and clear channels for reporting misconduct.
Nevils’ journey serves as a powerful call to action. It’s essential to create an environment where survivors feel empowered to share their stories without fear. In a world where many still struggle to find their voice, sharing experiences like hers can help break down barriers and foster understanding.
For more insights into the challenges survivors face, explore resources from the National Sexual Violence Resource Center here.
