Matt Lauer Accuser Reveals Psych Ward Stay After NBC Exit in New Book
Brooke Nevils, a former NBC employee who accused Matt Lauer of rape in 2017, shares her experiences following the allegations in her upcoming book, Unspeakable Things. Her claims led to Lauer’s dismissal from NBC and have had a lasting impact on her life.
Fallout from Allegations
After recounting her experience, Nevils notes that Lauer was fired the same day she filed her complaint. On November 29, 2017, the news of his termination broke, followed by a cascade of additional allegations against him from various sources.
In her book excerpt, Nevils describes a harrowing media onslaught following her accusation. An investigative reporter reached out to her, and a tabloid harassed her coworkers, portraying her as Lauer’s mistress. This scrutiny contributed to her decision to take a leave of absence, which ultimately became permanent.
Struggles with Mental Health
As a result of the allegations and the ensuing chaos, Nevils experienced severe mental health challenges. She felt lost and consumed by feelings of guilt and shame. “I was compulsive, paranoid, and drinking all the time,” she writes. Eventually, she ended up in a psychiatric ward, feeling worthless and believing that the world would be better off without her.
Details of the Assault
Nevils previously shared details of the assault in Ronan Farrow’s 2019 book, Catch and Kill. She claims Lauer raped her while they were in Sochi, Russia, for the 2014 Winter Olympics, stating she was too intoxicated to give consent.
After the alleged incident, she faced immense internal conflict. Nevils had thoughts of denying the assault as a misunderstanding. She struggled to reconcile her memories amid emotional turmoil and physical pain, which she described vividly in her narrative.
Reflecting on Personal Journeys
- Nevils described how every day felt like sinking into quicksand.
- Despite her struggles, she occasionally felt moments of joy and vitality.
- In hindsight, she had initially shared sanitized versions of her experience with family and friends.
Matters came to a head when she recognized the inevitability of Lauer’s behavior becoming public knowledge. Ultimately, it took years and the global Me Too movement for her to finally label her experience as assault.
Hope and Moving Forward
Today, Nevils expresses hope for those still grappling with shame and isolation stemming from similar experiences. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing their value and potential.
Her book, Unspeakable Things, will be available on February 3, providing insight into her journey and resilience. For anyone experiencing sexual assault or mental health crises, support resources are available, including the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) and the Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
