Becoming a national laughingstock can have consequences of up to $50 million dollars as Brian Williams might soon find out. According to a New York Post report, Willliams' NBC contract contains a "public morals" clause that allows NBC to terminate him if he should bring ridicule upon himself.
Since Williams' recently signed contract gives him $10 million per year for the next five years, $50 million is on the line. This gives NBC a strong incentive to invoke that ridicule clause to avoid having to pay out that gigantic chunk of change. So far NBC News has saved $5 million dollars by suspending Williams for six months without pay but that leaves them still owing the hero of Katrina $45 million. Here are the details of the public morals clause in Williams contract:
If artist commits any act or becomes involved in any situation, or occurrence, which brings artist into public disrepute, contempt, scandal or ridicule, or which justifiably shocks, insults or offends a significant portion of the community, or if publicity is given to any such conduct . . . company shall have the right to terminate.
Apparently Williams knows how precarious his situation is since according to the Post he just might go the lawsuit route:
The anchor has lawyered up with Bob Barnett, the distinguished attorney who also repped Ann Curry during her dealings with NBC.
So can it be proved that Williams has brought ridicule upon himself? That has to be just about the easiest case in judicial history to prove. The web, radio, and TV are right now chock full of Brian Williams jokes. They were even joking about Williams at the SNL 40th Anniversary Special. The big question is who hasn't joked about Brian Williams since even "Hitler" was mocking him.
Exit question: Who has a better chance of hosting next year's White House Correspondents Association Dinner? Saul Goodman or Brian Williams?
