Daily News
Alleged Tom Brokaw misconduct used to strengthen ‘Tonight Show’ suit against Questlove
May 7, 2018
Victoria Bekiempis
Alleged Tom Brokaw misconduct used to strengthen ‘Tonight Show’ suit against Questlove – NY Daily News
Cameramen Kurt Decker and Michael Cimino sued NBC and Questlove in January, alleging they were punished – and ultimately axed – for not reporting to higherups that they got an “unsolicited racist and misogynist text message” from another “Tonight Show” staffer.
Two former “The Tonight Show” staffers who claim show bandleader Questlove got them fired because they’re white are now invoking Tom Brokaw’s alleged sexual misconduct to bolster their ongoing discrimination lawsuit.
Cameramen Kurt Decker and Michael Cimino sued NBC and Questlove in January, alleging they were punished — and ultimately axed — for not reporting to higherups that they got an “unsolicited racist and misogynist text message” from another “Tonight Show” staffer. They pair say they reported it to the manager of Questlove’s band, the Roots, and a technical production manager.
While Roots bassist Mark Kelly also got the bigoted missive, only Decker and Cimino were suspended, their Manhattan Supreme Court suit charged.
The two camera operators argue they did, in fact, report the offensive message to the Roots’ manager and an NBC technical production manager.
Questlove, they alleged, wanted “all of the Caucasian employees involved” fired, which included Decker and Cimino, but didn’t want to reprimand Kelly.
In an amended complaint filed last week, Decker and Cimino claim NBC tried to cover-up the alleged discrimination just as it allegedly tried hiding accusations that Brokaw sexually harassed multiple women.
The two cameramen point to a letter issued earlier this month in which 64 female journalists came out in support of the veteran broadcaster. NBC is reportedly accused of pressuring its staffers into signing the letter.
NBC didn’t immediately comment on the new allegations.
In their initial filing, Decker and Cimino also brought up sexual misconduct allegations against fired “Today” host Matt Lauer, asserting NBC knew about accusations against him but “ignored and took no adverse action” against people who failed to report them.
