Brian Williams of NBC takes himself off the air 'for a few days' as row grows over his false Iraq story
NBC news anchor Brian Williams, one of America's most respected broadcasters, has taken himself off the air for the “next several days,” he said in a statement on Saturday.
Williams: Colleagues believe him
Williams, who is also the managing editor of the “Nightly News” broadcast, America's most watched news programme, has removed himself from the show.
His decision is in light of a growing controversy over a false story he told about coming under fire in a helicopter in Iraq in 2003. He later said he “misremembered” the event.
Lester Holt will anchor the evening news broadcast in his place.
NBC has launched an internal investigation into Williams’s claims this week amid the firestorm of criticism from service members who were present during the incident. Statements he made about Hurricane Katrina have also come under question, said the Washingon Post.
His statement was posted online by the network Saturday evening:
"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."
Earlier his predecessor Tom Brokaw denied reports that he was "out for Williams blood."
Brokaw, 74, was still the “Nightly News” anchor when Williams came back from his Iraq expedition — and an insider said he knew the story Williams later spouted was bunk.
Williams still took the anchor’s seat for his “Nightly News” broadcast on Thursday and Friday evenings — and didn’t address the issue during the broadcasts.
Many of Williams’ colleagues believe his claim that he simply “conflated” two versions of what happened in 2003.
“There have been meetings about it all day. They are taking it very seriously,” the NBC source said.
“But we believe that Brian’s apology on the air speaks for himself. He admitted over time he conflated the events.”
On Friday, Brokaw responded to reports that he wanted Williams axed.
“I have neither demanded nor suggested Brian be fired,” Brokaw said in an email to The Huffington Post. “His future is up to Brian and NBC News executives.”