Katie Couric, the renowned journalist and former television presenter, has expressed her empathy and support for Brooke Nevils, a former NBC employee who accused Matt Lauer of rape in 2017. This revelation came during Couric’s recent interview where she praised Nevils for her courage in sharing her story through her upcoming memoir, *Unspeakable Things: Silence, Shame, and the Stories We Choose to Believe*, slated for release in February 2026.
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During the City Harvest Presents The 2026 Gala: Shaken, Not Stirred event, Couric remarked, “I feel terrible for her,” referring specifically to the pain and challenges that Nevils has faced. She described Nevils as “very brave” for confronting her past and documenting her experiences. Although Couric mentioned that she had read an excerpt of the memoir, she admitted that she has yet to read the entire book.
In her memoir, Nevils recounts the harrowing details of her alleged sexual encounters with Lauer that reportedly occurred during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Lauer was dismissed from NBC in 2017 after Nevils came forward with allegations of sexual harassment and assault against him. In an excerpt shared by Nevils, she outlined her journey of reclamation, stating, “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.”
Support for Nevils also arrived from Ann Curry, a former co-anchor on the *Today* show, who characterised Nevils as “good-hearted and credible, with great potential.” Responding to her courage, Curry affirmed her belief in Nevils as a brave individual and voiced her support for the memoir.
In contrast, Matt Lauer firmly denies the allegations put forth by Nevils. In a letter to *Variety* in 2019, he admitted to having an extramarital affair with Nevils but insisted that their interactions were entirely consensual. Despite Lauer’s claims, Nevils has contested this narrative, asserting in a January interview with NPR that the concept of consent cannot be simplified in power imbalances. “Consent and agreement are not synonymous,” she argued, clarifying that true consent cannot exist when one party holds power over another, framing it as submission rather than equality.
Lauer’s public image has faced significant challenges due to these allegations and the subsequent attention they attracted. A source reportedly informed *PEOPLE* in January that while he is “not happy about the publication of her book,” Lauer continues to maintain a supportive network of friends throughout the ongoing scrutiny. This source further noted that Lauer leads a satisfying life in the Hamptons, sharing time with his children and enjoying the tranquillity of his residence in New Zealand.
Matt Lauer is a father to three children, including sons Jack and Thijs and daughter Romy, whom he shares with his ex-wife, Annette Roque. Their marriage ended following Lauer’s dismissal from NBC, culminating in their divorce finalised in 2019.
As both women continue to share their respective experiences, the broader conversation surrounding sexual harassment and accountability within the media continues to evolve. Following trends in public discussions about the impact of such allegations, many voices, including those of public figures like Couric, are contributing to a narrative that encourages understanding and support for survivors of sexual assault.
For anyone who may be affected by similar issues, resources are available. The National Sexual Assault Hotline can be reached at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or through their website, rainn.org, offering confidential support and guidance to those in need.