Ann Curry 'not surprised' by Matt Lauer sexual misconduct allegations: 'There was a climate of verbal harassment'

During an appearance on "CBS This Morning" on Wednesday, former "Today" co-anchor Ann Curry said that she was "not surprised" when sexual misconduct allegations against Matt Lauer emerged and resulted in his firing from the NBC morning show.

Speaking with Norah O'Donnell and Gayle King, co-anchors of the "Today" show rival, Curry chose her words very carefully when conversation turned to her former colleague.

SEE ALSO: Ann Curry opens up about controversial 'Today' show exit

"I am not surprised by the allegations," Curry said. "Now I'm walking down that road, and I'm trying not to hurt people. I know what it's like to be publicly humiliated. I never did anything wrong to be publicly humiliated and I don't want to cause that kind of pain to somebody else."

"But I can say that I -- because you're asking me a very direct question -- I can say that I would be surprised if many women did not understand that there was a climate of verbal harassment that existed."

"I think it would be surprising if someone said that they didn't see that," she continued. "It was verbal sexual harassment."

See photos of Ann Curry and Matt Lauer:

Curry also went on to proclaim that the movement of women who are now speaking out about sexual misconduct in the workplace is long "overdue."

"We are clearly waking up to a reality and injustice that has been occurring for sometime," she said. "I think it will continue to occur until the glass ceiling is finally broken."

When asked about the rumors that Lauer was behind her sudden June 2012 exit from the "Today" show, Curry was much more guarded in her answer.

"You'll have to ask someone else," she said. "It hurt like hell."

SEE ALSO: Jane Fonda shades Megyn Kelly during 'Today' show interview

Curry's sentiments expressed on "CBS This Morning" on Wednesday were reflected in her revealing interview with People magazine that was published this week.

"I wish I could say that I was celebrating," she said about her reaction to the Lauer scandal. "But, actually, I immediately checked myself. Because I knew women had suffered."

So, all things considered, Curry is making sure not to take pleasure in witnessing Lauer's downfall.

"I'm not a vengeful person," she continued. "I know what it's like to be humiliated. I just don't want to play a part in anyone else's humiliation."

Ann Curry's PBS docu-series "We'll Meet Again" premieres on Jan. 23.

See photos of Matt Lauer:

More from AOL.com:
Sharon Stone laughs in reporter's face after being asked if she's experienced sexual harassment
Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez get caught on the Kiss Cam at UMiami game
Queen Elizabeth shares how Princess Charlotte looks after her big brother Prince George