Behind the Curtains of the Today Show: Unveiling the Untold Stories

Amid the unsettling downfall of Matt Lauer, another serious allegation emerged against former “NBC Nightly News” anchor Tom Brokaw, who was at the helm of “Today” from 1976 to 1982.

The claims came from ex-NBC News war correspondent Linda Vester, who alleged Brokaw made unwanted sexual advances, including attempts to kiss her and inappropriate touching. She recounted that he even appeared uninvited at her hotel room. Vester indicated that she hesitated to speak out due to the toxic culture at NBC News, where women challenging misconduct were often labeled as troublemakers, potentially jeopardizing their careers.

In response, Brokaw denied her accusations, maintaining that their interactions were strictly professional and insisting he never made romantic advances toward her. In a lengthy email to associates, he detailed his rebuttals. “It is 4:00 AM on the first day of my new life as an accused predator in American journalism,” he began. Vester’s attorney stood firm, stating, “My client supports her allegations, which are self-evident.”

Megyn Kelly has attracted significant controversy since her transition from Fox News to NBC in 2017. Her debut with NBC included an interview with conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, setting a contentious tone for her new role hosting “Megyn Kelly Today,” which was part of the “Today” show’s third hour.

This sparked immediate and widespread backlash. Despite her subsequent on-air apologies, colleagues like Al Roker and Craig Melvin voiced their strong disapproval. NBC swiftly canceled her show within days.

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Kelly had secured a highly rewarding three-year deal, reportedly valued at $69 million. After lengthy negotiations, she parted ways with NBC but was fortunate enough to receive the full payout of her contract.

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Matt Lauer’s Tense Exchange with Tom Cruise Over Mental Health

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When promoting his film “War of the Worlds” in 2005, Tom Cruise appeared on the “Today” show. Interviewer Matt Lauer pivoted the conversation towards Cruise’s public disagreement with Brooke Shields, who had discussed her experience with antidepressants after postpartum depression. As a member of the Church of Scientology, which frowns on psychiatry, Cruise voiced his strong opinions on the matter.

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The discussion escalated as Cruise criticized psychiatric practices, asserting, “Here we are today, while I talk out against drugs and psychiatric abuses.” Lauer attempted to interject, but Cruise insisted he pose a question, stating, “You don’t know the history of psychiatry. I do.”

A few years later, Cruise returned to the show with a more reflective perspective, acknowledging the backlash from that interview. He confessed, “I learned a lesson… I came across arrogant and could have handled it better.”

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Kathie Lee Gifford’s Awkward Question to Martin Short

Steve Granitz/Getty & Gregg Deguire & Axelle/bauer-griffin

Kathie Lee Gifford, during her years on “Today,” has had countless celebrity interviews. However, one stood out in 2012 when she inadvertently asked Martin Short about his wife, not knowing she had passed away a couple of years earlier. Gifford asked about their long marriage, to which Short responded, “We, uh, married 36 years,” looking surprised but quickly recovering.

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After realizing her mistake during a commercial break, Gifford apologized on-air. Short later commented on the situation, noting that it was handled well despite the awkwardness. Upon revisiting the topic on “The Howard Stern Show,” Short recalled that Gifford was “terribly embarrassed” about her blunder.

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Misidentified Footage of Eagles Player Jerrod Johnson

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Following a shift in public perception, Michael Vick transitioned from celebrated quarterback with the Atlanta Falcons to a controversial figure after his involvement in a dogfighting ring led to a prison sentence. Released in 2009, he later signed with the Philadelphia Eagles and secured a six-year contract in 2011.

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Consider the unsettling scenario where a TV host is fired for laughing at a celebrity’s crude comments about sexual misconduct, while that same celebrity ascends to the presidency—this was reality for Billy Bush.

In fall 2016, during Donald Trump’s initial presidential campaign, a disturbing recording surfaced featuring Bush interviewing Trump in 2005 for “Access Hollywood.” In it, Trump boasted that his celebrity privileges allowed him to disrespect women without consequences. Trump later brushed off the remarks as mere “locker room talk,” while he went on to become the 45th president. In contrast, Bush faced a swift dismissal from NBC just months after starting on “Today.”

Subsequently, Bush reflected on his experience during an appearance on “Good Morning America,” noting the irony of losing his job while Trump held office. He admitted his laughter was a response to feeling insecure in his new role. “I wanted these celebrities to like me,” he recalled.

Bryant Gumbel became a prominent figure on “Today” from 1982 until 1997. One of his most controversial moments occurred in 1990 when a memo he wrote criticizing the show was leaked.

In the memo, he condemned the show’s flaws, particularly targeting popular weatherman Willard Scott, whom he claimed was taking the show in an unprofessional direction. Gumbel hoped the memo would remain confidential, emphasizing it was meant to assist, not harm.

An NBC executive acknowledged Gumbel’s criticism was spot-on, yet also highlighted that Gumbel tended to be a demanding presence on set. The memo was considered one of the most revealing insights from a talent regarding the show.

After Gumbel’s memo, which contributed to a troubling period for “Today,” longtime anchor Jane Pauley prepared to leave, making way for younger co-host Deborah Norville. This transition failed to resonate with audiences, who believed Norville was responsible for Pauley’s exit.

As ratings plummeted, the media perpetuated a narrative that Norville was backstabbing Pauley, a claim Pauley later attributed to a prominent TV critic’s mischaracterization of the situation. The speculation created a turbulent environment, further complicated by Norville’s restrictions on discussing the circumstances.

Only a year after joining “Today,” Norville took maternity leave and ended up being replaced permanently by Katie Couric.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, resources are available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN’s National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).