Catch and Kill

"Those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones." What happens when a powerful predator is exposed in an industry rife with secrets?

1. NBC’s Pattern of Avoiding Sexual Misconduct Stories

NBC's reluctance to report on sexual misconduct stories surfaced when the Access Hollywood tape of Donald Trump leaked in 2016. The explicit video placed NBC in an awkward position, as the tape included its own host, Billy Bush. Networks quickly reported on it, but NBC delayed, edited out Bush’s comments, and struggled to justify why it hadn’t aired the video earlier despite legal clearance.

Ronan Farrow sensed institutional hesitation. NBC blocked his investigative segment on sexual misconduct on college campuses, citing “programming conflicts,” only to scrap it altogether in favor of a safer topic. This avoidance raised questions about whether NBC was afraid of tackling such stories. Rich McHugh, a producer and ally of Farrow’s, simply confirmed, “Yes.”

This avoidance foreshadowed the network's later decisions. NBC's willingness to dodge accountability for sexual assault issues set a tone that unraveled Farrow's efforts to expose bigger fish like Weinstein.

Examples

• NBC delayed airing the Access Hollywood tape, despite legal approval.
• Farrow’s investigation on college sexual misconduct was replaced with a story on Adderall abuse.
• Executives at NBC avoided addressing their own complicity in sexual misconduct later exposed through internal scandals.

2. Rose McGowan’s Allegations and the Culture of Silence

Rose McGowan took a brave step in 2017 by publicly sharing that a Hollywood studio head had raped her. For years, the industry had dismissed her claims, claiming her past film roles would undermine her credibility. McGowan’s fears were validated: instead of helping, Hollywood blacklisted her, effectively silencing her career.

When Farrow contacted McGowan for his investigation, she initially shared her harrowing experience but hesitated to name Harvey Weinstein on camera. The system of silence—the nondisclosure agreements and the complicit bystanders—allowed predators like Weinstein to thrive.

McGowan’s story reflected the broader trend in Hollywood, where victims were deterred from coming forward. Trust in the system eroded as past complaints were swept aside, silencing voices and enabling repeated abuse.

Examples

• McGowan was told by a female lawyer that her rape claim wouldn’t be believed.
• Her career saw a sharp decline after she spoke out.
• Her reluctance to name Weinstein showed the strength of the culture of fear.

3. Weinstein’s Methods for Silencing Women

Harvey Weinstein didn’t just prey on women—he perfected strategies to ensure they stayed silent. For decades, he used legal tools like nondisclosure agreements, hefty settlements, and outright threats. His influence extended beyond Hollywood, touching journalism, law, and even politics.

One example was model Ambra Gutierrez in 2015, who recorded Weinstein admitting to groping her. Despite this damning evidence, Weinstein manipulated the media, portraying her as a troublemaker unworthy of belief. The case collapsed, illustrating his ability to twist public perception and avoid justice.

Weinstein’s power didn’t stop with individuals. Institutions complied with his demands, highlighting how interconnected Hollywood, media, and law enforcement really were in perpetuating his behavior.

Examples

• Weinstein turned Ambra Gutierrez’s case against her, smearing her reputation.
• His use of nondisclosure agreements gagged victims with legal threats.
• He used media connections to deflect scrutiny, like enlisting National Enquirer staff.

4. NBC’s Fear of Weinstein

As Farrow dug deeper, NBC executives became more resistant. Despite accumulating evidence such as McGowan’s interview and Gutierrez’s troubling recording, NBC foot-dragged. Legal counsel and investigative heads supported airing the story, but higher-ups stalled.

Weinstein leveraged his connections to squash the story. He contacted NBC Chairman Andrew Lack and later Phil Griffin, the head of news coverage, making it clear he expected the piece not to air. Meanwhile, Farrow faced flimsy excuses from NBC, including concerns about the story’s “fit for TV.”

It was clear that Weinstein had personal leverage over NBC, though the extent of it remained shadowy. Ultimately, NBC’s willingness to let Farrow pursue the story elsewhere showed their intent to avoid conflict instead of chasing truth.

Examples

• Weinstein called NBC executives over 15 times to pressure them.
• NBC told Farrow his investigation wasn’t appropriate for TV.
• Legal and investigative leaders who supported the story were overruled by top brass.

5. The Role of the New Yorker

After NBC killed the story, David Remnick at the New Yorker saw its importance. He showed editorial integrity, giving Farrow the support he needed to finish what he started. With Remnick’s backing, Farrow pushed forward, adding fresh sources like Ally Canosa who detailed years of sexual abuse by Weinstein.

Canosa’s chilling account provided the final piece Remnick needed. The New Yorker now had a well-rounded report with credible testimony, official documentation, and corroborating evidence. This groundwork solidified the story’s publication, ensuring Weinstein’s systematic abuses were brought to light.

The shift from NBC to a print outlet demonstrated how media dynamics could work against truth when corporate interests loomed too large.

Examples

• David Remnick authorized Farrow’s investigation at the New Yorker.
• Ally Canosa added shocking, consistent abuses to Weinstein’s timeline.
• The New Yorker stood firm despite Weinstein’s legal threats.

6. Weinstein’s Response and Public Fallout

As Farrow’s investigation neared publication in October 2017, Weinstein panicked. Facing damning evidence, he reached for legal intimidations and personal smears. His lawyers sent inflammatory letters, falsely claiming ownership over Farrow’s material. These last-ditch efforts failed spectacularly.

When the story broke, Weinstein’s self-defense only dug him deeper. In interviews, he mixed up cases, further incriminating himself, and his comments about his victims’ willingness belied his ignorance of law and ethics.

The October 2017 exposé was a turning point. It not only revealed individual atrocities but also highlighted systemic enablers that shielded powerful men like Weinstein for decades.

Examples

• Weinstein’s lawyers accused Farrow of lacking objectivity due to personal history.
• A phone call between Weinstein and Farrow highlighted the mogul’s desperation.
• His confusing answers during interviews pointed to guilt rather than innocence.

7. NBC’s Own Toxic Culture

NBC’s handling of sexual misconduct hit close to home with the firing of Matt Lauer in November 2017. Lauer’s years of inappropriate workplace behavior had been ignored, suppressed, or normalized in a setting where harassment thrived under secrecy.

The internal inquiry into Lauer’s behavior revealed rumors had circulated long before any formal complaint. When employees pressed for clarity, NBC’s legal department downplayed existing knowledge.

Lauer’s misconduct mirrored structural flaws at NBC. Its use of nondisclosure agreements concealed abuse while leadership avoided accountability, creating an environment where Weinstein exploits thrived.

Examples

• Matt Lauer’s harassment included coercive behavior and gifting coworkers sex toys.
• Staff suspected management had long known but stayed quiet.
• NBC reportedly brokered at least seven nondisclosure settlements post-2011.

8. The Media’s Role in Protecting Abusers

Catch and Kill showcases how entrenched power structures in the media allow abusers to operate. Whether through quid pro quo arrangements with tabloids or direct threats to reporters, Weinstein mastered the art of media manipulation.

From the National Enquirer smearing victims to NBC treading carefully, journalism became part of the problem. By refusing to publish damning investigations, media companies prioritized corporate connections over challenging abuse.

This dynamic not only shielded Weinstein but also sent victims a clear message: you won’t be believed or protected.

Examples

• Weinstein used David Pecker at the Enquirer to shield himself and smear victims.
• NBC’s refusal to air evidence was seen as a betrayal by Farrow’s sources.
• News outlets had historically ignored similar allegations against Weinstein.

9. Breaking the Silence: The Impact

The publication of Farrow’s work marked the start of a broader reckoning. Victims across industries felt empowered to speak out, leading to consequences for other powerful figures. Organizations began scrutinizing their own cultures and complicities.

Farrow’s case also highlighted the need for ethical leadership in journalism. When institutions falter, individual accountability and courage can still make a difference, showing how one determined journalist can break a pattern of silence.

Catch and Kill reminds us that change often begins with voices willing to resist complicity.

Examples

• The story helped ignite the ##MeToo movement on a large scale.
• Several top executives resigned or faced legal action following the revelations.
• Media organizations began fostering conversations about their responsibility to victims.

Takeaways

1. Always question power structures and their interests when assessing the integrity of journalism or institutions.
2. Encourage transparency over secrecy to build trust, especially in organizations dealing with sensitive issues.
3. Support and amplify stories from survivors, ensuring their voices lead change rather than face suppression.