Brooke Nevils, the former NBC employee whose allegations against Matt Lauer culminated in his dismissal in 2017, has shared distressing details of an alleged sexual assault in her forthcoming memoir, *Unspeakable Things: Silence, Shame, and the Stories We Choose to Believe*. The book, set for release on 3 February, dives deep into Nevils’ traumatic experience during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, when she was still a talent assistant for NBC.
Shocking Revelations from the Past
In a recent excerpt published by The Cut, Nevils recounts waking up in a hotel room after a night that began with drinks alongside Lauer and other colleagues. She describes a painful awakening, struggling to comprehend the events that transpired. “My first thought was that this must have been a misunderstanding,” she wrote, reflecting on the turmoil that ensued. Years later, she would come to recognise the encounter as sexual assault.
Nevils, now a mother of two, has spent considerable time grappling with the ramifications of that night. In her memoir, she states, “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.” This journey of self-discovery and healing has been fraught with challenges, but she aims to provide a voice for others who have faced similar ordeals.
The Pain of Silence
The memoir details the confusion and shame that engulfed Nevils following the incident. Despite the evident power imbalance—Lauer was one of the highest-paid anchors in television at the time, earning approximately $25 million annually—she initially struggled to articulate her trauma. “Back then, I had no idea what to call what happened other than weird and humiliating,” she confessed. The pain she endured was both physical and psychological, leaving her feeling isolated and unsure of how to proceed.
Her revelation that she continued to communicate with Lauer after returning to New York highlights the complexities of victimhood. “Why, if an alleged victim was really sexually assaulted, would they continue a relationship with the perpetrator?” she questions. This profound introspection illustrates the struggle many victims face in reconciling their experiences with societal expectations and personal shame.
The Turning Point
It wasn’t until November 2017 that Nevils decided to take action by formally reporting her allegations against Lauer to NBC. Within 24 hours, he was confronted and subsequently fired by NBC News chairman Andrew Lack. This decisive action came as multiple other women began to emerge with their own accusations against the former anchor.
Despite her bravery in coming forward, Nevils faced a tumultuous aftermath. As she witnessed the unfolding media narrative surrounding Lauer, she was overwhelmed with feelings of insignificance. In her memoir, she expresses, “I was just one woman and nobody’s ideal victim.” This sense of isolation is a common experience among survivors, who often feel pressured to conform to societal perceptions of what a victim should look like.
Healing and Hope
Following Lauer’s dismissal, Nevils’ life spiralled out of control, leading to a permanent leave of absence from NBC. She battled with depression, drinking, and feelings of worthlessness, eventually spending time in a psychiatric ward. Nevertheless, she has found solace in writing and her family, emphasising that healing is possible, even for those who feel irredeemable.
Today, Nevils hopes her memoir will resonate with others who may feel similarly trapped in their silence. “Not one of these things – for any one of us – is ever true,” she asserts, aiming to dismantle the stigma surrounding victims of sexual assault and encourage open dialogue about their experiences.
Why it Matters
Brooke Nevils’ story is not only a personal testament to resilience but also a crucial contribution to the ongoing discourse surrounding sexual harassment and assault. Her willingness to share her narrative sheds light on the complexities of victimhood, challenging societal norms and encouraging others to speak out. In a culture that has often silenced victims, Nevils’ memoir serves as a beacon of hope, advocating for understanding and empathy in the face of trauma. As discussions about these issues continue to evolve, her voice adds a vital layer to the broader conversation about accountability and healing.
