Matt Lauer, a longtime host of NBC’s “Today” show, was fired Wednesday for inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace.
“Matt Lauer has been terminated from NBC News. On Monday night, we received a detailed complaint from a colleague about inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace by Matt Lauer. As a result, we’ve decided to terminate his employment,” according to a tweet from the “Today” show.
“We just learned this moments ago, just this morning. As I’m sure you can imagine we are devastated. And we are still processing all of this. And I will tell you right now, we do not know more than what I just shared with you,” Savannah Guthrie, a co-host on “Today” with Mr. Lauer, said at the start of the show Wednesday.
Hoda Kotb, a fellow NBC News anchor, joined Ms. Guthrie on the “Today” show in place of Mr. Lauer.
“It’s hard to reconcile what we’re hearing with the man who we know, that walks into this building every single say,” Ms. Kotb said.
Matt Lauer has been terminated from NBC News. On Monday night, we received a detailed complaint from a colleague about inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace by Matt Lauer. As a result, we’ve decided to terminate his employment. pic.twitter.com/1A3UAZpvPb
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) November 29, 2017
This follows a statement from NBC News explaining that although this incident is the first accusation about Mr. Lauer, the network believes it may not have been “an isolated incident.”
Mr. Lauer has worked at NBC News for over 20 years.
President Trump tweeted about the incident expressing surprise, but also suggested executives at NBC News should be fired, pointing directly to NBC News Chairman Andy Lack.
“Wow, Matt Lauer was just fired from NBC for ’inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace.’ But when will the top executives at NBC & Comcast be fired for putting out so much Fake News. Check out Andy Lack’s past!” Mr. Trump tweeted.
Wow, Matt Lauer was just fired from NBC for “inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace.” But when will the top executives at NBC & Comcast be fired for putting out so much Fake News. Check out Andy Lack’s past!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 29, 2017
So now that Matt Lauer is gone when will the Fake News practitioners at NBC be terminating the contract of Phil Griffin? And will they terminate low ratings Joe Scarborough based on the “unsolved mystery” that took place in Florida years ago? Investigate!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 29, 2017
• Sally Persons can be reached at spersons@washingtontimes.com.
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