Matt Lauer released a statement on Thursday morning, read on the TODAY show:
“There are no words to express my sorrow and regret for the pain I have caused others by words and actions. To the people I have hurt, I am truly sorry. As I am writing this I realize the depth of the damage and disappointment I have left behind at home and at NBC. 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. I regret that my shame is now shared by the people I cherish dearly. Repairing the damage will take a lot of time and soul searching and I’m committed to beginning that effort. It is now my full time job. The last two days have forced me to take a very hard look at my own troubling flaws. It’s been humbling. I am blessed to be surrounded by the people I love. I thank them for their patience and grace.”
Lauer was fired on Wednesday morning over inappropriate sexual conduct in the workplace. The announcement was made by TODAY co-hosts Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb.
Later on Wednesday, Variety published the results of a two month investigation into Lauer’s behavior. It included lurid details like Lauer dropping his pants in front of a female colleague and reprimanding her for not performing a sex act, and giving a sex toy to another colleague with a note telling her how he’d use it on her.
Since Lauer’s firing the media has been digging through old clips as well:
