As NBC launches an internal investigation into Brian Williams' Iraq helicopter story, the NBC Nightly News anchor is putting himself on self-imposed leave. Williams announced today in a statement that he will be taking a leave of absence for several days, presumably to let things die down. Or you know, he's fired.
Williams has come under pressure this week after he admitted his story that he was aboard a helicopter that was shot by enemy fire while reporting in Iraq in 2003 was false. The admission came after several veterans who were there disputed the story. Williams said in his statement that fellow anchor Lester Holt will be filling in for him:
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.
[via HuffPo]
