Megyn Kelly has made it very clear that she thinks Brett Kavanaugh is innocent.
The embattled Supreme Court nominee has said so himself, after all.
But Matt Lauer, however?
Kelly isn’t about to let her fellow journalist off the hook that easily.
Lauer, of course, was dismissed by NBC close to a year ago after multiple accusations of sexual misconduct were made about him.
The firing was swift and shocking, with executives arriving at their decision not long ater learing of one complaint; telling the public they presumed many more were out there; and letting Lauer go from his post as main Today Show anchor after many years on the job as a result.
Just a few months later, Kelly came on board NBC.
She made the move after a polarizing and popular stint at Fox News and now hosts her very own (low-rated) hour of Today.
So these reporters, both controversial for very different reasons, have been like two ships crossing in the daytime television night. Or something to that effect.
Over the past several weeks, there have been a few frightening rumors about Lauer making a return to TV in some fashion.
According to a previous Page Six reports, Lauer told a few women who recently approached him that he has been busy fathering, but told these fans not to “worry” because he’ll “be back” on the small screen soon.
Does this mean he’s had active discussions with networks?
Does it mean he has a story to tell that will exonerate him from all allegations?
Does it mean that Lauer thinks people simply don’t believe he supposed raped someone?
It’s unclear.
When asked during an interview with Us Weekly if she thought Lauer should come back to the public eye after his fall from grace Kelly said she would not really comment.
But she did add the following:
“I know too much that others don’t know.”
Whoa there.
Interesting, right?
There’s already A LOT that the public either knows or assumes, based on various rumors and articles.
For example: Lauer supposedly made employees feel very uncomfortable by pulling out sex toys in front of them.
He also made unwanted advances toward them.
And he also had an affair with an underling named Addie Zinone, who actually sat down awhile back with Kelly.
When asked if she garnered any backlash for having a woman on her show who had slept with the recently-fired face of NBC daytime, Kelly replied:
“All I’m going to say is that I feel very strongly about the #MeToo coverage, the importance of doing it without fear or favor. I didn’t let anyone stop me at Fox, and I’m not going to let anyone stop me at NBC.”
Kelly, who previously had spoken out about harassment she endured while employed by former Fox boss Roger Ailes, went on to explain that she believes some men who commit sexual misconduct could “potentially” have second chances in the public eye.
She explained her side as follows:
“I feel it’s a case-by-case basis. I don’t think we need to see Harvey Weinstein in polite society ever again, but I don’t think that’s true of everyone. I think, for some of these guys, there’s a way forward.
“I happen to believe it starts with a full-throated apology, and not just this paper statement of, ‘I did some things wrong and I’m sorry.’”
Seems like another shot fired at Lauer, right?
This is what he wrote back in late November:
There are no words to express my sorrow and regret for the pain I have caused others by words and actions. To the people I have hurt, I am truly sorry.
As I am writing this I realize the depth of the damage and disappointment I have left behind at home and at NBC.
Some of what is being said about me is untrue or mischaracterized, but there is enough truth in these stories to make me feel embarrassed and ashamed.
I regret that my shame is now shared by the people I cherish dearly.
Repairing the damage will take a lot of time and soul searching and I’m committed to beginning that effort. It is now my full time job.
The last two days have forced me to take a very hard look at my own troubling flaws. It’s been humbling. I am blessed to be surrounded by the people I love.
I thank them for their patience and grace.