Matt Lauer Shares His Thoughts on Brooke Nevils’ Book and How He’s Handling the Backlash

Matt Lauer; Brooke Nevils.
Credit :

Peter Kramer/NBC/NBC Newswire/NBCUniversal via Getty; T.JACKSON / BACKGRID

NEED TO KNOW

• Brooke Nevils accused Matt Lauer of rape in a complaint she filed with NBC in 2017, alleging the incident occurred during the 2014 Winter Olympics.
• Nevils discusses the alleged assault in her upcoming memoir, Unspeakable Things: Silence, Shame, and the Stories We Choose to Believe, which Lauer has denied repeatedly.
• Sources indicate Lauer is “not happy” about the forthcoming book but has “come to terms with bad press.”

Former NBC anchor Matt Lauer is reportedly distressed about renewed scrutiny from Brooke Nevils, whose 2017 sexual assault allegations have resurfaced in her upcoming memoir. Lauer, who was dismissed from NBC following Nevils’ complaint, has expressed his displeasure but acknowledged the challenging nature of public perception, according to exclusive insights shared with PEOPLE.

In an excerpt from Nevils’ memoir, published by The Cut, she reflects on her experiences and the broader issues of sexual harassment and assault. “I have spent the long years since using my otherwise abandoned skills as a journalist to report and write the book about sexual harassment and assault that I wish had existed for me,” she shared.

Sources near Lauer indicate he is unsettled by the book’s release but is finding support among close friends during this tumultuous period. A representative noted that while Lauer feels anger over the resurfacing allegations, he is striving to move forward, particularly in his relationship with his longtime girlfriend, Shamin Abas.

‘Unspeakable Things: Silence, Shame, and the Stories We Choose to Believe’ by Brooke Nevils.

Penguin Random House

Despite frustrations over the memoir, Lauer’s lifestyle appears to be stable. A source close to him claims he has grown weary of the ongoing turmoil and is focusing on his family life, which includes his three children: sons Jack and Thijs, and daughter Romy. These children are from his marriage to Annette Roque, which ended in divorce in 2019.

Additionally, Lauer reportedly finds solace in his property in New Zealand, where he spends considerable time. Sources state that he appreciates the healthy lifestyle and partners he has found in that locale, further emphasizing his desire to move on from the adverse media attention he has faced.

In an NPR interview, Nevils countered Lauer’s claims of a consensual relationship, asserting that true consent cannot exist when one party holds significant power over the other. “Consent and agreement are not synonymous,” she explained, emphasizing the complexities involved in their situation.

This ongoing situation reflects a broader societal conversation surrounding power dynamics and accountability in cases of alleged sexual misconduct. While Lauer attempts to rebuild his life away from the public eye, Nevils continues to advocate for awareness and acknowledgment of these critical issues.

Brooke Nevils.

BACKGRID

As sources reveal Lauer’s journey of healing and growth, it underscores the complexities of navigating public scandal and personal redemption. Although he has faced significant fallout, those close to him remain optimistic about his future.

Matt Lauer in 2017.

Noam Galai/WireImage