Matt Lauer's being fired from "The Today Show" was a culmination of the multiple stunning allegations about the anchor. Lauer was once a respected journalist who landed plenty of high profile interviews and was seen as the star of the daytime show. As the years went on, however, stories began to leak that painted Lauer as an egotistical jerk who often used his power on the show to bully co-anchors like Ann Curry and have them kicked off the show, The Atlantic reported. As if the bullying rumors weren't enough, in 2016, Page Six reported an alleged affair between Lauer and co-anchor Natalie Morales. Both stars sternly denied the allegations and Morales quietly left the show, but rumors of Lauer being unfaithful didn't quiet down.
In 2017, his shocking firing came after multiple allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior became public, according to People. In 2020, journalist Ronan Farrow's book, "Catch and Kill," alleged that Lauer sexually assaulted his NBC colleague, Brooke Nevils. These allegations were something Lauer denied, telling Variety, "In a new book, it is alleged that an extramarital, but consensual, sexual encounter I have previously admitted having, was in fact an assault. It is categorically false, ignores the facts, and defies common sense."
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
