NBC Paid Severance to Female Staffer Who Accused Chris Matthews of Sexual Harassment

"In 1999, this matter was thoroughly reviewed and dealt with. At that time, Matthews received a formal reprimand," an MSNBC spokesperson told NBC News.

NBC paid severance to a female staffer in 1999 who accused MSNBC personality Chris Matthews of sexual harassment, NBC News reported Sunday.

The Daily Caller, citing two unnamed sources, first reported the situation of the female staffer, who was an assistant producer on the show Hardball With Chris Matthews, which at the time was on CNBC.

"In 1999, this matter was thoroughly reviewed and dealt with. At that time, Matthews received a formal reprimand," an MSNBC spokesperson told NBC News.

Matthews was accused of making inappropriate jokes and comments about the female staffer in front of others, NBC News reported.

The Daily Caller reported the payment was $40,000, but the MSNBC spokesperson would not confirm the amount to NBC News, citing a confidentiality agreement.

The news comes just weeks after NBC News fired Today host Matt Lauer after he was accused of sexual assault and harassment.

Matthews did not return a request for comment, according to NBC News.