Things aren’t boding well for Savannah Guthrie.
NBC’s “Today” show host faced sharp criticism for her handling of an interview with a woman who accused of Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) of sexual misconduct.
Viewers are calling Guthrie’s pressing questioning “hypocritical” due to her work with former “Today” host Matt Lauer, who was fired on Wednesday over sexual assault and harassment allegations.
Marion Brown told Guthrie that Conyers fired her for refusing to accept the lawmaker’s sexual advances for 11 years. As she sat accompanied by her lawyer Lisa Bloom on the set of “Today,” Brown explained that she feared losing her job.
The inquisitive nature of Guthrie’s interview took many viewers off-guard.
“Did you ever tell any of your superiors,” the “Today” host asked.
Many saw the question as odd in the context of a Variety article which reported that leadership at NBC knew of Lauer’s behavior but ignored the accusers.
Guthrie went on to ask: “I know there will be people watching who say, ‘But you worked for him for 11 years… why didn’t you go? Why did you stay?'”
One of NBC’s female employees was reportedly mistreated by Lauer for several months, drawing a parallel between the two cases that Guthrie failed to mention.
Many fans of “Today” have long seen Guthrie as complicit in Lauer’s maltreatment of women, stemming from the 2012 departure of Ann Curry.
At the time, several news outlets reported on rumors that Curry was being bullied at Lauer’s request. The New York Times ran a story claiming male co-workers subjected Curry to “professional torture” to get her to resign.
Guthrie, who replaced Curry on “Today,” has never spoken out against the treatment her predecessor allegedly received.
But she was somber on Wednesday when she announced the termination of Lauer’s employment with the network.
Matt Lauer has been terminated from NBC News. On Monday night, we received a detailed complaint from a colleague about inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace by Matt Lauer. As a result, we’ve decided to terminate his employment. pic.twitter.com/1A3UAZpvPb
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) November 29, 2017
“This is a sad morning here at ‘Today’ and at NBC News,” Guthrie said. “All we can say is that we are heartbroken. I’m heartbroken for Matt. He is my dear, dear friend and my partner and he is beloved by many, many people here.”
Many viewers have taken to social media to slam Guthrie’s perceived hypocrisy.
We’re all shocked by @MLauer, but please don’t project your hurt and anger on another victim. People have their reasons why they behave in a situation like this, so please don’t judge them for their actions in a horrible situation. #fightorflight #metoo?
— Sam-I-Am (@SamanthaV7) November 30, 2017
#marionbrown bravo to you! You mustered your courage, to stand up to Savannah Guthrie’s accusatory tone, which was so clearly meant for Matt’s victims.
— Gretchen Runion (@SmilesHugs2) November 30, 2017
Perhaps Savannah wasn’t the best person to interview this victim. You can SEE it in her face of non belief of this victim because of the Matt controversy
— betsy (@bunz71) November 30, 2017
Totally agree! She had horrible body language and attitude. Very rude also!
— Jen Drake (@jenjclt) November 30, 2017
They need to replace her. Her bitterness is quite apparent … and disturbing… Very unprofessional
— Brenda Wolinski (@dbtsea) November 30, 2017
This interview is painful and disrespectful to the victim. Feels like she is talking to the Matt accuser.
— Surfsup12 (@carymoody) November 30, 2017
Used to watch her for years when she was a local anchor in Tucson. We lived there for 35 years. Wrote to her multiple times, she never responded. Big head even way back when. We stopped watching the day Ann was fired. Never watched it since. Never will…she is a horrible person.
— Linda Kay Gross (@LindaKayGross1) December 1, 2017
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