I am an author and educator on the topic of pathological narcissism, which is a very real disorder impacting more and more relationships every day. Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a serious issue and research has proven it is becoming an epidemic in today's society, destroying countless relationships and families.

The way in which Matt Lauer of the Today Show bullied, berated and forced Ms. Christie Brinkley to discuss her divorce from Peter Cook, who has been diagnosed by a mental health professional with this very disorder was appalling and disturbing, to say the least.

Ms. Brinkley made it clear from the beginning of her interview that she did not want to talk about how her ex-husband is slandering her in the press right now as she attempts to promote her upcoming role in the Broadway musical "Chicago." Instead of respecting this," Mr. Lauer abused his power as the interviewer and never let Ms. Brinkley speak a word about her upcoming show. Mr. Lauer accused Ms. Brinkley of being a bad mother and implied that she is asking for this horrible abuse even though she hasn't spoken in public about her ex-husband in four years.

Matt Lauer admits on live television this morning that Peter Cook rang his personal cell phone immediately after his interview with Christie yesterday and requested a chance to strike back at the woman Matt had in tears by the end of the interview. Matt not only gives Mr. Cook an interview, but pre-tapes it to be sure he can’t be cornered or bullied by the interviewer like Christie was when interviewed by Matt.

What does the Today Show have to say about such unabashed, blatant and unethical nepotism?

I get millions of hits a month on my on-line support group forum from victims of pathological narcissists. Countless amounts of research has been done to prove that this type of narcissism is a growing epidemic and threatens to permanently destroy the family system as we know it. The way in which Matt Lauer and the Today Show chose to spin this important topic is a disservice to our culture and society as a whole.

Narcissism is the abuse of power in any relationship and Matt Lauer and the Today Show abused their power this week by bullying a woman who has done nothing to slander her ex-husband, but simply make one public service announcement four years ago to others who may be trying to divorce a narcissist so they can understand their predicament and get the appropriate help they so desperately need.

The Today Show should be reporting on why family divorce courts need to start treating the domestic emotional abuse that occurs in relationships with pathological narcissists just as seriously as they treat domestic physical abuse. Instead, the Today Show is acting like TMZ and further perpetuating our celebrity-obsessed gossip culture, which only breeds further narcissism.

Please sign this petition if you believe Matt Lauer and the Today Show should apologize to Christie Brinkley and the millions of others who are impacted by this very real personality disorder every day.

Sincerely,
Lisa E. Scott
www.lisaescott.com