Ronan Farrow’s new release, “Catch and Kill,” primarily delves into his investigative efforts that exposed Harvey Weinstein’s extensive history of exploiting and assaulting women. However, the narrative also addresses significant events from the #MeToo movement, notably a harrowing account involving former NBC anchor Matt Lauer.
The book features an interview with Sarah Connors, a former NBC News staff member who alleges that Lauer raped her, a revelation that ultimately led to his dismissal from the Today show. Initially, Connors chose to remain anonymous, but her identity and the distressing specifics of her experience are disclosed for the first time in Farrow’s work.
The Incident
According to Connors, the incident occurred while they were covering the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. She recounted that after sharing drinks with Lauer, he invited her to his hotel room. Having no prior reason to suspect any ill intentions, she accepted the invitation. Upon arrival, Connors claims Lauer forcefully pushed her onto the bed, aggressively asking if she liked anal sex. Despite her repeated refusals, Connors said he proceeded regardless. “It hurt so bad. I remember thinking, Is this normal?” she shared with Farrow, revealing that she eventually stopped resisting, sobbing silently into a pillow.
Lauer’s Response
As these allegations come to light, Lauer has attempted to reenter public life, appearing in light-hearted TikTok videos with his children. This behavior starkly contrasts the gravity of the accusations. In response to Farrow’s book, Lauer issued an open letter asserting that his encounter with Connors was consensual. He argued that the claims of assault are not only false but also a misguided attempt by women he has been involved with to deflect their own feelings of guilt about infidelity.
Additional Allegations
Since Lauer’s termination, additional women have come forward with similar allegations against him. Notably, Jane Smith, a former colleague, revealed she warned NBC years prior about inappropriate behavior after a staffer confided in her about an assault. In the current climate post-#MeToo, accountability for such actions is paramount, and Lauer’s career remains in tatters as a result.
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Conclusion
In summary, Ronan Farrow’s “Catch and Kill” sheds light on disturbing allegations against Matt Lauer, revealing the complexities of power dynamics and accountability in the media landscape. The book serves as a reminder of the ongoing conversations surrounding consent and the experiences of women in the workplace.
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