This is What’s Trending Today…
The American television network NBC has dismissed Matt Lauer, a star of its morning news program, after someone accused him of sexual abuse.
Lauer is the latest well-known American man to be brought down by abuse accusations in recent weeks.
Lauer, who is 59, worked on NBC’s “Today” show for 20 years. He became the second morning show host in recent days to lose his job over reports of sexual wrongdoing. Last week, CBS News dismissed morning host Charlie Rose after several women who worked for him complained about his behavior.
NBC News chairmanAndy Lack said in a statement that the network received on Monday a “detailed complaint from a colleague about inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace by Matt Lauer.”
Lack added that the company had reason to believe that more accusations against Lauer may follow.
“Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie was joined by colleague Hoda Kotb as she reported on Lauer’s dismissal Wednesday morning.
Guthrie read Lack’s statement. She also told television viewers she was “heartbroken” for Lauer and for, in her words, “the brave colleague who came forward to tell her story.”
Co-anchors Hoda Kotb, left, and Savannah Guthrie embrace on the set of the “Today” show Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017, in New York, after NBC News fired host Matt Lauer. NBC News announced Wednesday that Lauer was fired for “inappropriate sexual behavior.”
The allegations involve an NBC employee who says Lauer abused her while both were working at the Sochi Olympics in 2014. The woman said the abuse continued after Sochi.
Lauer is the latest famous man to face allegations of sexual abuse. The list includes President Donald Trump, former President Bill Clinton, entertainer Bill Cosby, and more recently, film producer Harvey Weinstein, actor Kevin Spacey and news media leaders.
More than 15 women have accused Trump of sexual harassment or worse. The president has called the accusations “fake news” both on Twitter and in other statements.
On Wednesday, Trump wrote about Lauer’s dismissal on Twitter.
He wrote, “Wow, Matt Lauer was just fired from NBC for ‘inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace.’ But when will the top executives at NBC & Comcast be fired for putting out so much Fake News. Check out Andy Lack’s past!”
NBC News did not answer questions connected to Trump’s tweet.
And that’s What’s Trending Today.
The Associated Press and VOA News reported this story. Ashley Thompson adapted it for Learning English. Caty Weaver and George Grow were the editors.
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Words in This Story
host – n.a person who talks to guests on a television or radio show
complaint – n. a formal charge saying that someone has done something wrong
colleague– n.a person who works with you: a fellow worker
inappropriate– adj. not right or suited for some purpose or situation
allegations– n.a statement saying that someone has done something wrong or illegal
entertainer– n.a person (such as a singer, an actor, or a comedian) who entertains other people
accuse– v. to blame (someone) for something wrong or illegal: to say that someone is guilty of a fault or crime
harassment – n.repeatedly unwanted interactions