NBC anchor suspended over false Iraq claims

monjola sotubo

February 11, 2015 2:20 PM

Williams, who hosts NBC’s top-rated "Nightly News" program, had lied that he was in a helicopter which was hit by a grenade during the 2003 war.

Renowned NBC News anchor, Brian Williams has been suspended for six months after he made false claims about his coverage of the Iraq War.

He however admitted last week that the claims were false and that he was in fact inside a different helicopter which was not hit.

The network, in a statement issued in Wednesday, February 11, announced that Williams would go on suspension for six months without pay.

"We have decided today to suspend Brian Williams as managing editor and anchor of NBC Nightly News for six months," NBC News President, Deborah Turness said.

“The suspension will be without pay and is effective immediately. We let Brian know of our decision earlier today. Lester Holt will continue to substitute anchor the NBC Nightly News,” she added.

"By his actions, Brian has jeopardized the trust millions of Americans place in NBC News," NBC Universal Chief Executive Officer, Steve Burke also said.

"His actions are inexcusable and this suspension is severe and appropriate,” Burke added.

Williams was found out when he told the same story last month but was challenged by veterans who had been in the war.

He voluntarily took himself off the air on Saturday, February 7, five days after the network launched an inquiry into his story. The inquiry is still ongoing.

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