Brian Williams taking time off of NBC Nightly News over Iraq controversy

You knew that this was probably going to come at some point after the snowball effect started. Days after inaccuracies started to surface regarding whether or not he was aboard a helicopter that took fire in Iraq more than a decade ago, Brian Williams has decided to step away from the NBC Nightly News for at least a short period of time. This is a program that he has helmed ever since the end of Tom Brokaw’s time at the desk, and to date, this is the biggest controversy that he has face. Reporters are looking back at many past claims with a fine-toothed comb, while he faces the reality that the majority of what he may say moving forward will be under close scrutiny.

Williams made this decision in a memo (released via Deadline), where he admitted that he has become the news to an extent where the other news would not be properly highlighted if he were to continue doing the show:

“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.”

Williams obviously makes it very clear that he has no intention of resigning over the controversy, so that should wash away any questions from those who wondered whether or not that would be something that he would consider as an option.

Ultimately, we feel like he will be back. After all, this is hardly the first time that a newsman has been called out for telling a story that was not entirely accurate.

Do you think Williams should return? Let us know below, and head over here to receive further TV updates on all we cover via our CarterMatt Newsletter? (Photo: NBC.)