Time's Up calls for changes at NBC following new Matt Lauer allegations: 'This is not simply the case of one bad actor'

In the wake of a series of explosive allegations from Ronan Farrow, Time's Up is calling NBC out.

The group founded in 2018 to combat sexual harassment and assault in the workplace spoke out Wednesday after Farrow revealed new details about former Today anchor Matt Lauer's alleged sexual misconduct, also claiming NBC settled with multiple Lauer accusers in the years prior to his November 2017 firing. The network denies being aware of Lauer's behavior prior to his termination.

"This is not simply the case of one bad actor," the statement from Time's Up reads, per Variety. "Egregious behavior like Lauer's is often only possible in a toxic work environment, where protecting working people takes a backseat to protecting the careers of powerful men and the reputation of an even more powerful company."

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While Time's Up says it commends NBC for "taking an important step" by firing Lauer following an allegation of rape, the group says "that must only be the start."

"Real progress happens when corporations like NBC make a transparent and continuous commitment to creating and nurturing a culture of safety and equity, which often involves long-term structural change across all levels," Time's Up says. "Instead, NBC's latest statements fail to demonstrate a commitment to such change and fail to support the victims who take the courageous step to come forward."

Farrow has alleged a "chain of secret settlements at this company that were covered up," but NBC News President Noah Oppenheim has been forcefully pushing back on these claims, saying earlier this week in response to allegations laid out in Farrow's book, "I feel absolutely terrible that these three employees were subjected to Matt Lauer's horrific behavior, but the facts do not support Farrow's allegation of a 'cover-up,' and he offers no further evidence." Oppenheim also accused the Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter of having an "axe to grind" with the network.