Brian Williams, whose reputation has taken a beating over the last week over reports that told false stories about his time in Iraq, has been suspended from his position at NBC News for six months without pay.

Brian Williams Suspended

NBC News announced the decision in a statement published Tuesday night. “We have decided today to suspend Brian Williams as Managing Editor and Anchor of NBC Nightly News for six months,” Deborah Turness, NBC News president, wrote in the statement. “The suspension will be without pay and is effective immediately. We let Brian know of our decision earlier today.”

Williams’ reporting has come under scrutiny after he shared his oft-retold anecdote of coming under enemy fire while aboard a helicopter in Iraq in 2003 in a segment on NBC Nightly News Jan. 30. An Iraq War veteran who was there took to Facebook to reveal that Williams was not in the helicopter that was shot at, and merely heard the account of the harrowing event second hand. Williams quickly apologized to the veteran and subsequently offered an on-air apology on Nightly News – but it was all for naught.

“Steve Burke, Pat Fili and I came to this decision together. We felt it would have been wrong to disregard the good work Brian has done and the special relationship he has forged with our viewers over 22 years,” Turness explained the decision to suspend the anchor in her statement. “Millions of Americans have turned to him every day, and he has been an important and well-respected part of our organization.”

Turness added, “As I’m sure you understand, this was a very hard decision. Certainly there will be those who disagree. But we believe this suspension is the appropriate and proportionate action.”

CEO and President of NBCUniversal Steve Burke also weighed in on the scandal surrounding Williams, calling his misrepresentation of facts “inexcusable,” but standing by the decision to give him another chance at the network.

“This has been a painful period for all concerned and we appreciate your patience while we gathered the available facts. By his actions, Brian has jeopardized the trust millions of Americans place in NBC News,” Burke said. “His actions are inexcusable and this suspension is severe and appropriate. Brian’s life’s work is delivering the news. I know Brian loves his country, NBC News and his colleagues. He deserves a second chance and we are rooting for him. Brian has shared his deep remorse with me and he is committed to winning back everyone’s trust.”

After many years reporting for NBC News, Williams replaced Tom Brokaw as the NBC Nightly News anchor in 2004. Lester Holt, who has been filling in for him since he announced his temporary hiatus, will continue on the evening news program.