US

Brian Williams Taking ‘Several Days Off’ Amid Scandal

Derek Hunter Contributor
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NBC News anchor and Managing Editor Brian Williams announced he “decided to take myself off of my daily broadcast for the next several days” amid the storm of controversy surrounding his claims of having been in a Chinook helicopter that came under serious fire in Iraq. The story, which Williams told repeatedly over 12 years, was not true.

Lester Holt, NBC’s weekend anchor, will be filling in for him while Williams is off and to allow he and NBC “to adequately deal with this issue,” according to the statement.

Williams’ statement in its entirety reads:

A Persona Note From Brian Williams

In the midst of a career spent covering and consuming news, it has become painfully apparent to me that I am presently too much a part of the news, due to my actions.

As Managing Editor of NBC Nightly News, I have decided to take myself off of my daily broadcast for the next several days, and Lester Holt has kindly agreed to sit in for me to allow us to adequately deal with this issue. Upon my return, I will continue my career-long effort to be worthy of the trust of those who place their trust in us.