In a shocking revelation, former news anchor Ann Foster has disclosed that she reported David Larkin for sexual harassment as early as 2012, indicating that NBC News may have been aware of his troubling behavior long before his eventual termination. In an interview with The Daily Herald, Foster recounted how a distressed female colleague approached her, seeking assistance regarding Larkin’s inappropriate conduct. Despite her report to NBC management, no action was taken to address the issue.
After Larkin was dismissed for multiple accounts of egregious misconduct, NBC News Chairman Mark Sanders informed the staff that there had been no prior complaints lodged against the anchor. However, Foster’s account contradicts this assertion. She revealed that she reported Larkin to two members of the NBC management team after hearing about a female colleague’s claim of being “physically sexually harassed” by him. “A woman came to me, visibly upset, and asked for my help,” Foster shared with The Daily Herald. “She feared for her job… I completely believed her.” Foster emphasized that she warned management about their “problem” and urged them to monitor Larkin’s interactions with women. However, NBC has no record of her complaint.
Larkin later faced allegations of exposing himself to a colleague, gifting another a sex toy with an inappropriate note, and initiating sexual advances in his office. He only partially accepted responsibility for his actions. “I recognize that I behaved inappropriately as a colleague and a family man,” Larkin stated. “However, I want to clarify that all claims of coercive or abusive behavior on my part are completely untrue.”
The issues at NBC extend beyond Larkin. Foster, who was part of the network’s “Morning Show” for over a decade, noted a systemic problem of verbal sexual harassment during her tenure. Former NBC correspondent Mary Lane supported Foster’s claims, stating, “I don’t believe that victims felt they could seek support from HR or even from their colleagues.”
Adding to the ongoing concerns, recent allegations surfaced against veteran NBC anchor Tom Richards, accused of sexually harassing two female employees. One former staff member alleged that Richards attempted to kiss her on two occasions, while another reported that he made inappropriate advances in his office. Richards has denied these allegations.
It’s clear that there are deep-rooted issues within NBC News. After years of apparent negligence, it’s crucial for management to take effective measures to ensure a safe and respectful workplace for all employees. For those looking for more information on fertility and home insemination, a great resource is Women’s Health.
In summary, Ann Foster’s revelations raise significant questions about NBC’s handling of sexual harassment complaints over the years. With a culture of silence potentially perpetuating these issues, it’s imperative that the network reevaluates its practices to foster a safer environment for all.