Matt Lauer was one of the Today Show‘s most well-liked and respected anchors for over two decades. He left the show in disgrace in 2017 amid allegations of sexual abuse. While he denied the allegations, he was fired for violating NBC’s company policy. Nearly a decade has gone by since then. He is reportedly looking for a way to return to television eight years after the humiliating scandal.
Matt Lauer’s Life Now
Matt Lauer co-hosted NBC’s Today Show for years alongside Katie Couric. In 2016, he was a trustworthy and well-respected media personality. At the time, he was co-hosting with Savannah Guthrie. A year later, he was unemployed, divorced, and the town pariah.
In November 2017, a former NBC employee made the shocking claim that Matt Lauer had raped her during the 2014 Sochi Olympics. After a brief investigation where more women came forward, he was fired the next day. He claimed that the encounters were consensual.
“Some of what is being said about me is untrue or mischaracterized, but there is enough truth in these stories to make me feel embarrassed and ashamed,” he said in a statement at the time.
Matt Lauer’s wife, Annette Roque, filed for divorce in 2019, two years after the scandal rocked their marriage. The former Today host went public with his romance with Shamin Abas later that same year.
Matt Lauer has stayed out of the public eye since the scandal. He reportedly lives in Sag Harbor, New York. He also has a home in New Zealand. The former Today host did make an appearance at Don Lemon’s wedding in 2024.
Disgraced Today Host Looking To Return To TV
Sources close to the former anchor told PEOPLE magazine that Matt Lauer’s main focus is his relationship with his children. He shares Jack, 24, Romy, 22, and Thijs, 18, with his ex-wife. However, the insider revealed that Matt Lauer is looking for ways to return to television and resume his career.
The former Today host reportedly “wants to get back into the media arena in some capacity, if not TV.”
“He has talked to some people about it,” the source added. The real question is whether the television audience would welcome him back. The idea was met with a resounding “no” on social media.
- “With what goes on in today’s society, although not acceptable, I bet he’d not even be judged!”
- “He gave me a creepy feeling long before his issues!!”
- “he was bad man”
- “It’s amazing how white men will be forgiven and the good ole boys network will protect and provide employment for him.”
- “Nobody would hire him for what he was doing. Washed up. Done. Just live your life. I for one don’t miss his arrogant views.”
- “No no no those jobs are a privilege…he does not deserve…. Consequences!!!!!”
- “Must be nice to be canceled and still be able to live in the Hamptons.”
NBC’s Today Show doesn’t have room for Matt Lauer, but he could pop up on another network or podcast. Tell us in the comments if you think he should be welcomed back.
Jennifer Havener grew up in a small town in Upstate New York. She earned her B.A in Writing & Literature from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. She always knew watching reality TV shows and soap operas, particularly ‘Days of Our Lives’, would come in handy someday. When she’s not writing, she’s playing with her dogs, Lola and Ruger
