On Thursday, ousted Today show host Matt Lauer issued a statement regarding the sexual misconduct allegations that led to his dismissal from the lead anchor spot on the popular NBC morning show. Although Lauer expressed “regret for the pain” he may have caused his colleagues, he also refuted some of the accusations made against him.
Lauer’s full statement, via CNN:
“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’s former Today colleagues read the statement on air this morning.
A statement from Matt Lauer: “There are no words to express my sorrow and regret for the pain I have caused others by words and actions…” pic.twitter.com/f93rHXqKQD
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) November 30, 2017
Included in the newest allegations against Lauer is a New York Times report claiming that the morning show host locked a former NBC employee with a button placed under his desk, sexually assaulted her, and then had an assistant escort her to a nurse after she passed out.
