The former NBC correspondent who is alleging network anchor Tom Brokaw groped her and tried to kiss her in the 1990s is an alumna of Ursuline Academy.
Linda Vester graduated from Ursuline Academy in 1983, according to Director of Communications Kira Hinkle. Vester worked as a war correspondent and covered the Middle East and Africa for NBC in the 90s, Variety Magazine reported.
Vester claims Brokaw, now 78, made unwanted advances when she was in her 20s, according to Variety. She did not file a complaint at the time.
Vester told Variety Magazine she didn’t tell anyone out of fear it would ruin her career.
“We were in the Denver bureau, and there was a conference room. I’m standing there, and Tom Brokaw enters through the door and grabs me from behind and proceeds to tickle me up and down my waist,” Vester said. “I jumped a foot and I looked at a guy who was the senior editor of ‘Nightly,’ and his jaw was hanging open. Nobody acted like anything wrong was happening, but I was humiliated.”
Brokaw has denied Vester’s accusations.
“I met with Linda Vester on two occasions, both at her request, 23 years ago, because she wanted advice with respect to her career at NBC,” he said in a statement issued by NBC. “The meetings were brief, cordial and appropriate, and despite Linda’s allegations, I made no romantic overtures towards her, at that time or any other.”
Sharon Redmond, president of Ursuline Academy, issued the following statement.
"Linda Vester is an Ursuline graduate from the class of 1983. She has been an incredibly engaged alumna, a long time supporter, benefactor, and most importantly, friend of the school. Her successful career has inspired many young Ursuline women. We love her and we care deeply about her. She and her family are in our thoughts and prayers."
Another woman, who spoke on the condition of remaining anonymous, told The Washington Post Brokaw acted inappropriately toward her in the ‘90s when she was a production assistant. Brokaw said no such thing happened.
