Rachelle S. Manzo 
Geraldo Rivera’s decision to speak out in defense of Matt Lauer in the midst of the latter’s sexual misconduct scandal may end up costing him quite a lot.
After Rivera’s statements, a nearly three-decade-old video came up, featuring a recording of an interview Bette Midler had with Barbara Walters.
In the interview, Midler accused Rivera of making inappropriate sexual advances on her as far back as the 70s.
It appears that the clip did not get much attention back then but it is an entirely different situation now, and it is picking up quite fast.
The legendary entertainer went into detail about how Rivera, together with his producer, forced her into a bathroom and drugged her while groping her.
It will be interesting to follow the developments around these revelations and to see how the situation could affect the reputation and career of the controversial journalist – or that of Midler, for that matter.
It is worth pointing out that the climate in the entertainment industry is much more different today, and accusations of sexual misconduct have a much more serious impact nowadays. If more information comes out, it could effectively end Rivera’s career.
27 years ago I wrote a tawdry book depicting consensual events in 1973-45 years ago-I’ve deeply regretted its distasteful & disrespectful tone & have refrained from speaking about it-I’m embarrassed & profoundly sorry to those mentioned-I have & again apologize to anyone offended
— Geraldo Rivera (@GeraldoRivera) December 1, 2017
Although I recall the time @BetteMidler has alluded to much differently than she, that does not change the fact that she has a right to speak out & demand an apology from me, for in the very least, publically embarrassing her all those years ago. Bette, I apologize.
— Geraldo Rivera (@GeraldoRivera) December 1, 2017
Midler posted the video on her Twitter account as part of the #MeToo campaign, and she demanded an apology from the Fox News Channel commentator.
It took Rivera about 24 hours before responding to the request, and he has decided to apologize. However, critics claim his message looks more like a non-apology, a denial.
Tomorrow is my birthday. I feel like this video was a gift from the universe to me. Geraldo may have apologized for his tweets supporting Matt Lauer, but he has yet to apologize for this. #MeToo pic.twitter.com/TkcolFWfA2
— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) November 30, 2017
So far though, there have been no additional comments on the situation from Midler. Considering the alleged incident occurred almost half a century ago, Rivera seems to be saying it is all blurry in an attempt to discredit her.
What is clear, the whole thing might not be helpful for Rivera, and his career could be seriously affected.