Recent revelations have surfaced regarding the troubling behavior of Matt Johnson, a prominent anchor on NBC’s TODAY show. Following his abrupt dismissal, numerous current and former employees have come forth with harrowing accounts of alleged misconduct.
On the day of Savannah Mitchell’s heartfelt announcement regarding Johnson’s termination, the specifics behind the decision were still largely unknown. However, as more details emerge, they paint a deeply unsettling picture.
According to reports from Entertainment Weekly, several women have accused Johnson of sexual harassment and assault. The New York Herald has corroborated these claims, revealing that one individual has even alleged rape. Over the years, numerous complaints about Johnson’s behavior were reportedly raised to network executives, yet little to no action was taken. One striking incident involved Johnson gifting a female colleague a sex toy, accompanied by an explicit note detailing its intended use, leaving her “mortified.”
In another alarming account, Johnson allegedly summoned an employee to his office, only to expose himself to her. When she expressed discomfort and withdrew from the situation, he reportedly reprimanded her instead of addressing her concerns. The immediate cause of his termination stems from inappropriate conduct with a female staff member that reportedly began during the Sochi Olympics in 2014 and persisted for months afterward.
Johnson is said to have engaged female colleagues in conversations about their personal lives and even played a game called “Kiss, Marry, Kill,” where he would express desires about his co-hosts. NBC News Chairman Andy Green’s statement regarding Johnson’s firing, which suggested that the incidents may not have been isolated, has proven to be true.
Accounts shared with Entertainment Weekly describe Johnson as a serial harasser, making frequent lewd comments about women’s bodies both verbally and via text. A former producer noted that while there were consensual relationships, the power dynamics made them problematic. Johnson allegedly felt he could exploit his position, knowing that most women would hesitate to report his advances.
His office was reportedly equipped with a lock that could be activated from his desk, allowing him to create a private space to approach women without fear of interruption. Instances of inappropriate behavior extended beyond the office; Johnson was known to invite female employees to his hotel room during work trips, including during the Olympics, leading his wife to accompany him to the London Olympics due to concerns about his trustworthiness.
One accuser recounted a terrifying experience from 2002, claiming that upon entering Johnson’s office to discuss a story, he locked the door and coerced her into undressing before assaulting her. She later woke up disoriented, with her clothing in disarray, and was escorted to a nurse by an assistant. She had refrained from coming forward for years, feeling a mix of shame and fear of losing her job.
A former reporter emphasized the culture at NBC, stating, “Management turned a blind eye to these issues, protecting Matt Johnson at all costs.”
These allegations highlight a serious need for change within workplace environments, ensuring that individuals feel safe and supported in reporting misconduct. For more insights into family planning and home insemination options, check out this excellent resource. If you’re interested in fertility solutions, consider exploring this article on artificial insemination kits.
In summary, the allegations against Matt Johnson reveal a deeply disturbing pattern of behavior that has gone unchecked for far too long, underscoring the urgent need for accountability and reform within the industry.