The 'Nightly News' anchor becomes the subject of internal investigation after claiming he was in a helicopter that was hit by enemy in Iraq more than a decade ago.
- Feb 7, 2015
AceShowbiz - Brian Williams is facing internal investigation at NBC News. The credibility of the "Nightly News" host and the TV network where he works took major hit after he was caught lying about coming under direct enemy fire while in Iraq in 2003.
The investigation is led by Richard Esposito, the head of the network's investigative unit and the former editor of New York Daily News. "This has been a difficult few days for all of us at NBC News," said NBC News President Deborah Turness in a staff memo. "Yesterday, Brian and I spoke to the 'Nightly News' team. And this morning at the Editorial Exchange, we both addressed the wider group."
"Brian apologized once again, and specifically expressed how sorry he is for the impact this has had on all of you and on this proud organization," she continued. "As you would expect, we have a team dedicated to gathering the facts to help us make sense of all that has transpired. We're working on what the best next steps are - and when we have something to communicate we will of course share it with you."
Brian Williams admitted to lying and expressed remorse after a soldier clarified his story, but his apology seemed to fall on deaf ears. A military veteran even blasted the anchor for trying to play down his lie by calling it an attempt to thank military members.
In the wake of the fabricated helicopter attack story, public started to question the accuracy of Williams' Hurricane Katrina coverage which won him and NBC multiple awards including Emmy. According to him, while being stuck in New Orleans when the flood came, he saw a body floating in the French Quarter. Conflicting reports said the area actually spared the worst during the natural disaster. He also claimed his hotel was "overrun with gangs" and he was "very sick with dysentery."
As criticism kept coming, Williams initially got defended by Rich Krell who piloted the helicopter which the anchor was in. Krell previously said their chopper did take fire, but he later retracted his statement after being confronted by other soldiers. "The information I gave you was true based on my memories, but at this point I am questioning my memories," he said.
