Matt Lauer, Longtime NBC Today Show Host, Fired
- Details
- Category: World News
- Published on Wednesday, 29 November 2017 06:36
- Written by Janet Walker
Matt Lauer, the long-time NBC Today show host, has been terminated effective immediately from his position due to sexual misconduct and inappropriate sexual behavior at the workplace according to a statement released from the network.
NBC News Chairman, Andy Lack made the decision to fire Lauer, 59, late Tuesday evening after receiving and investigating a detailed report that included rape allegations during location coverage of the Sochi Olympics, in Russia.
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The statement by Mr. Lack follows:
|
Dear Colleagues,
On Monday night, we received a detailed complaint from a colleague about inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace by Matt Lauer. It represented, after serious review, a clear violation of our company's standards. As a result, we've decided to terminate his employment. While it is the first complaint about his behavior in the over twenty years he's been at NBC News, we were also presented with reason to believe this may not have been an isolated incident.
Our highest priority is to create a workplace environment where everyone feels safe and protected, and to ensure that any actions that run counter to our core values are met with consequences, no matter who the offender.
We are deeply saddened by this turn of events. But we will face it together as a news organization -- and do it in as transparent a manner as we can. To that end, Noah and I will be meeting with as many of you as possible throughout the day today to answer your questions.
Andy |
The unidentified female presented a detailed report that included evidence and also indicated she believed this was not an isolated incident. Several New York Daily newspapers including the New York Times and The New York Post have acknowledged working on in-depth investigative news stories involving the same allegations and an additional attack during the Rio Olympics in 2014.
His former colleagues at the once top rated morning show have expressed shock, sadness and general disbelief over the news which they were given just moments before airtime, Tuesday morning. Each taking a moment to acknowledge general support for Lauer, who held the host position for two decades, calling him a "friend," "colleague," "partner."
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His morning show co-host, Savannah Guthrie, working with Lauer since 2012, also mentioned "the brave colleague who came forward to tell her story and any other woman who have their stories to tell."
His ability to lead a double life shouldn't come as a surprise as he and his wife have maintained separate lives and residences since she shocked Manhattanites when she filed for divorce in 2006 citing cruel and inhumane treatment. They have lived separately, although remained legally married, since.
Image coutesy of NBCUniversal
