Last night, NBC announced that it has suspended Nightly News anchor Brian Williams for six months without pay. The decision comes after his admission that he exaggerated a 2003 story in which he claimed to have been in a helicopter that was shot at during the Iraq War.
It’s a major blow for the network, as Williams drew in 9.3 million viewers a night and made Nightly News the top rated evening news program. Below is NBC News President Deborah Turness’ statement on his suspension:
All,
We have decided today to suspend Brian Williams as Managing Editor and Anchor of NBC Nightly News for six months. The suspension will be without pay and is effective immediately. We let Brian know of our decision earlier today. Lester Holt will continue to substitute Anchor the NBC Nightly News.
Our review, which is being led by Richard Esposito working closely with NBCUniversal General Counsel Kim Harris, is ongoing, but I think it is important to take you through our thought process in coming to this decision.
While on Nightly News on Friday, January 30, 2015, Brian misrepresented events which occurred while he was covering the Iraq War in 2003. It then became clear that on other occasions Brian had done the same while telling that story in other venues. This was wrong and completely inappropriate for someone in Brian’s position.
Over the years, Williams has proven to be a fan favorite not just among regular viewers, but also in Hollywood (thanks to his collaborations with Jimmy Fallon and cameos on 30 Rock). Here, some celebrities sound off on their frustration with NBC’s decision, while others unfortunately take the opportunity to kick him while he’s down. Yeah, we’re looking at you, Donald Trump.
While some celebrities questioned Williams’ suspension…
So Brian Williams is suspended for 6 months? ASININE & RIDICULOUS. We were lied to about a WAR…and those folks seem to get off just fine.
— patrick wilson (@patrickwilson73) February 11, 2015
The issue is betrayal/sensational news…which i abhor.It seems like a knee jerk reaction without dealing with the problem. Maybe I’m wrong. — patrick wilson (@patrickwilson73) February 11, 2015
Maybe this will make us…and them… look at what’s newsworthy. That’s it. No more opinions. Far too much Twitter for me tonight.
— patrick wilson (@patrickwilson73) February 11, 2015
Brian Williams: Suspended 6 months. George Dubya (“Chemical weapons in Iraq–EEK!”) $200,000 per year in pension benefits. America, kids. — Stephen King (@StephenKing) February 11, 2015
NBC says Brian Williams is suspended without pay for 6mos for lying about what happened in the Iraqi war! If u wanna… http://t.co/kE8WOSBbJP
— DL Hughley (@RealDLHughley) February 11, 2015
Unseemly & chilling how some of these TV journalists are reveling in every second of their Brian Williams take downs — mia farrow (@MiaFarrow) February 11, 2015
Glad NBC hasn’t fired Brian Williams. Hope he returns to the @NBCNightlyNews chair in August, contrite & forgiven. We all make mistakes.
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 11, 2015
And some took it as an opportunity to crack a joke…
If Brian Williams. can look that smooth while being somewhat messed up inwardly maybe just a layer down I am incredibly smooth. — james l. brooks (@canyonjim) February 11, 2015
Is there any video of the @hannibalburess joke that exposed Brian Williams?
— Andy Richter (@AndyRichter) February 11, 2015
A few did come out in support of NBC’s decision.
Great comments on the #brianwilliams story. I’m more forgiving of what I’ve read so far, but the higher standard argument is fair. bummer. — Sean Astin (@SeanAstin) February 11, 2015
I don’t feel bad for #BrianWilliams He gets 10 million a year. that’s a hella lot more than the soldiers who get shot at with real bullets.
— Jillian Barberie (@askjillian) February 11, 2015
I have long stated that Brian Williams was not a very smart guy – all you have to do is look at his past. Now he has proven me correct! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 11, 2015
Brian Williams, who is not the nice guy that people think he is, has now become totally irrelevant. He will never again hold court!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 11, 2015
What do you think of NBC’s suspension of Brian Williams? Let us know in the comments below!
[Photo Credit: Getty Images]