In a disturbing twist, it has come to light that former television host Matt Lauer had a discreet button beneath his desk, enabling him to lock his office door from the inside without standing up. This “security feature,” as it was described, provided him with an unsettling sense of privacy, allowing him to invite female colleagues into his space and engage in inappropriate behavior, all while knowing he was shielded from interruption, according to two women who have accused him of sexual harassment.
Lauer recently issued a public statement expressing his regret for the pain he inflicted upon those around him. “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,” he claimed. However, the sincerity of this apology is highly questionable, as it feels more like the words of a character from a comic book than a genuine expression of remorse.
The existence of a button that could lock his office door without his guests knowing is especially troubling. As reported by Variety, this mechanism provided Lauer with the confidence to welcome women into his office and initiate unwanted contact without fear of being interrupted. While some at NBC asserted that the button was a standard security measure for high-profile employees, its implications in Lauer’s hands are deeply unsettling.
This man’s contrition is suspect; he is not sorry for his actions but rather for being exposed. The notion that such a button could exist in an environment where a man like Lauer held power is frightening. It undermines the safety that women expect in a workplace, transforming what should be a neutral space into a zone of predation.
The gravity of Lauer’s misconduct is further underscored by a former employee’s account to the New York Times, detailing a 2001 incident where Lauer summoned her to his office, locked the door, and assaulted her. This is no mere lapse in judgment that can be fixed with an apology.
Lauer remarked, “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.” Yet, which parts are mischaracterized? Is there a more palatable way to describe gifting an employee a sex toy with explicit instructions or exposing oneself to others? Such actions are not flirtation; they are calculated displays of power meant to belittle and intimidate women.
Men like Lauer, Weinstein, and others understand that their gender often affords them a shield of protection in professional settings. When confronted, they feign ignorance, and society chooses to downplay their actions as mere sexual misconduct rather than what they truly are: a systematic abuse of power.
The pervasive normalization of such behavior leaves women feeling constantly on edge, ready to confront any man who crosses the line. It’s not about being overly sensitive; it’s a necessary response to a culture that has long tolerated and excused this kind of predatory conduct.
As women, we shouldn’t have to bear the burden of fixing the toxic environment that men have created. Accepting an apology from a serial harasser is not an option.
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In summary, the revelation of Matt Lauer’s covert door-locking mechanism serves as a stark reminder of the lengths some individuals will go to exploit power dynamics in the workplace. His nonchalant behavior and the culture that allowed it to fester highlights the urgent need for accountability and change.
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