Key Highlights
- The author’s experience as a talent assistant at the 2014 Sochi Olympics with Matt Lauer.
- The ambiguity around what constitutes sexual assault and the psychological impact on victims.
- The power dynamics in professional settings and their influence on victim behavior.
- Psychologist Kimberly Lonsway’s insights on how stereotypes affect belief in sexual assault claims.
The Unspoken Truth Behind a High-Profile Incident
In the winter of 2014, Brooke Nevils found herself in an unprecedented situation. As a talent assistant at the Sochi Olympics, she was tasked with ensuring smooth operations and supporting her colleagues. However, events took a dark turn when she encountered Matt Lauer, then the longest-serving anchor on NBC’s Today show.
The night before a significant milestone in Meredith Vieira’s Olympic coverage, Nevils hosted a celebratory drink at their hotel bar. Amidst the alcohol and camaraderie, Lauer joined them, leading to an encounter that would haunt her for years to come. “It was a blur but not an incomprehensible one,” she recalls. “We waved him over, and I patted the seat next to me for him to join us.”
The Aftermath: A Mask of Normalcy
Despite the blurred lines of consent, Nevils remained silent. She didn’t use the word “rape” because it conjured images of strangers in dark alleys—far removed from the scenario she faced. “Back then, I had no idea what to call what happened,” she says. “We had been there for a while when his former co-anchor walked in. We waved him over, and I patted the seat next to me for him to join us.”
The ambiguity allowed her to avoid acknowledging the unthinkable, which would have changed her life forever. “Who would choose to be a victim if there was any other option?” she asks rhetorically. “The only thing to do was to smooth it over.” Nevils meticulously cleaned up after the incident, ensuring no one outside of NBC would see the evidence.
The Power Dynamics: A Lesson in Silence
Nevils’ experience highlighted the power dynamics present in professional settings. She feared that voicing her concerns could lead to further complications, especially given Lauer’s status as a top-rated anchor with significant influence. “The only thing to do was to smooth it over, and smoothing things over for the talent was my actual day job,” she explains.
The incident was not just a personal nightmare but also a professional one. NBC’s strict policies on surveillance and privacy made seeking help impossible. Nevils was surrounded by colleagues whose careers were dependent on Lauer’s success. “Everyone had not been drunk and alone with Matt Lauer insisting on having anal sex,” she notes, emphasizing the stark difference between her experience and that of others.
Psychological Impact: The Victim’s Perspective
Nevils’ story is a testament to the psychological impact of such incidents. “I quickly wrote back, All good, or something similarly friendly, to show there was nothing to worry about,” she recalls. “Ignoring the talent was not an option, and if he needed reassurance, I would reassure him.” The pressure to maintain professional relationships meant that even when faced with a traumatic event, Nevils had no choice but to suppress her feelings.
Psychologist Kimberly Lonsway’s insights offer valuable context: “When you say the word ‘rape,’ there’s a script that goes along with it. That drives our thinking in all kinds of ways, mainly that the less a rape looks like the stereotype, the more skeptical we tend to be about it.” Lonsway explains how victims are often doubted because their reactions do not match societal expectations.
Nevils’ experience is one of many that highlight the complexities of sexual assault in professional environments. The ambiguity and power dynamics can lead victims to remain silent, believing they have no choice but to navigate through the situation on their own. “The very hallmarks of what sexual assault typically looks like are exactly the same characteristics that cause people to doubt the credibility of a sexual assault disclosure,” Lonsway notes.
Conclusion
A Call for Change
Nevils’ story is not just a personal narrative but also a call for change. It underscores the need for more open dialogue about consent, power dynamics, and the psychological impact on victims. As society continues to grapple with these issues, it is essential that we listen to survivors like Brooke Nevils and work towards creating safer, more supportive environments.