Two former staff members of NBC have leveled serious accusations against Tom Beckett, alleging instances of sexual misconduct that are both disturbing and troubling. The claims come in the wake of the MeToo movement, which has exposed numerous prominent figures for similar behavior.
Allegations from Sarah Mason
One of the accusers, Sarah Mason, a former war correspondent for NBC News, described an incident from the 1990s to Variety. “We were in the Denver office, and there was a conference room. I was standing there when Tom Beckett walked in, grabbed me from behind, and began to tickle me along my waist,” she recounted. “I was shocked and looked at a senior editor who was present—he appeared completely stunned. No one intervened, and I felt utterly humiliated.” Mason expressed that she felt powerless during the encounter, stating, “I was so low on the corporate ladder that I didn’t feel I could voice my discomfort.”
Mason further alleged that in 1994, Beckett escalated his inappropriate behavior by showing up at her hotel room uninvited on two occasions, making her feel cornered. “I hardly knew him, and I wasn’t even part of his broadcast team. But when the most influential person at the network reaches out, you feel compelled to respond,” she explained. During these encounters, Beckett allegedly pressured Mason to enter into a sexual relationship. “He forcefully grabbed my neck and attempted to kiss me,” she shared. “I was taken aback by his strength. Though he smelled of alcohol, he was coherent and clearly in control.” Mason opted not to report the incidents for fear of jeopardizing her career. “Women who speak out against misconduct are often labeled as troublemakers,” she noted. “It can ruin your career.”
Beckett denied the allegations through a spokesperson, stating, “I met with Sarah Mason twice at her request, nearly 23 years ago for career advice. Those meetings were brief, friendly, and appropriate. Contrary to her claims, I made no romantic advances toward her.”
Anonymous Accuser’s Experience
Another former NBC employee, who chose to remain anonymous, shared a similar experience with The Washington Post. At just 24 years old, while working as a production assistant, she recalled an encounter in which Beckett allegedly approached her in a hallway, placed her hands on his chest, and invited her to his office under the pretense of discussing her career—though she implied that the conversation had ulterior motives. Beckett has also denied this allegation.
Culture of Objectification at NBC News
According to Variety, Mason is speaking out now to highlight what she describes as a pervasive culture of objectification of women at NBC News. Following the allegations against Matt Lauer, she believes that an internal investigation initiated by the network is insufficient; she advocates for an external review to address the culture within the organization comprehensively.
It is crucial that NBC News takes these allegations seriously and implements necessary measures to address and rectify the situation.
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Conclusion
In summary, Tom Beckett has been accused of sexual misconduct by two former NBC employees, bringing attention to a troubling culture within the network. These allegations echo a larger narrative surrounding the treatment of women in the workplace, especially in light of the MeToo movement.