Matt Lauer Scandal: A Year Later, What You Need To Know

It’s been a full year since Matt Lauer was abruptly fired from the Today show following allegations of sexual harassment. The news shocked the world, sending ripples through NBC and the entertainment industry. Since then, much has changed. Let’s take a deep dive into everything that’s happened in the wake of this explosive scandal.

The Day Everything Changed

On November 29, 2017, Matt Lauer, who had been a beloved anchor on Today since 1994, was let go after disturbing allegations emerged. The claims were serious: an unidentified female NBC employee accused Matt of sexually harassing her during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. But this wasn’t an isolated incident, according to reports. After more than two decades at NBC, Matt’s career at the network came to a sudden end. His co-anchor, Savannah Guthrie, delivered the news live on air, a moment that was both heartbreaking and surreal.

“This is a sad morning for us at Today show and at NBC News,” Savannah said, her voice trembling. “Just moments ago, NBC chairman Andy Lack sent the following note to our organization: ‘On Monday night, we received a detailed complaint from a colleague about inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace by Matt Lauer. It represented, after serious review, a clear violation of our company’s standards. As a result, we’ve decided to terminate his employment. While it is the first complaint about his behavior in the over twenty years he’s been at NBC News, we were also presented with reason to believe this may not have been an isolated incident.’”

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Savannah, visibly emotional, added, “We learned this moments ago, just this morning. As you can imagine, we are devastated and we are still processing all of this. I will tell you, we do not know more than what I just shared with you. But we will be covering this story, as reporters, as journalists. I’m sure we will be learning more details in the hours and days to come, and we promise we will share that with you. I’m heartbroken for Matt. He is my dear, dear friend, and my partner, and he is beloved by many, many people here. And I’m heartbroken for the brave colleague that came forward to tell her story and any other women who have their own stories to tell.”

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

Matt Speaks Out

The next day, Matt issued a public statement, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. “There are no words to express my sorrow and regret for the pain I have caused others by words and actions,” he wrote. “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.”

He went on, “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.”

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Who Was Matt’s Accuser?

While details about Matt’s accuser remain scarce, we know she worked with NBC during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Sources reveal the complaint moved quickly, with NBC acting swiftly upon receiving her evidence. “She didn’t go to the media,” one source noted. “She made a complaint to NBC’s human resources, and her evidence was so compelling that Matt was fired on Tuesday night. The victim says she has evidence that this has also happened to other women, but so far, we don’t have evidence of that.”

Her lawyer, Ari Wilkenfeld, released a statement praising her bravery. “My client and I met with representatives from NBC’s Human Resources and Legal Departments at 6 p.m. on Monday for an interview that lasted several hours,” Wilkenfeld said. “Our impression at this point is that NBC acted quickly, as all companies should when confronted with credible allegations of sexual misconduct in the workplace.”

He added, “While I am encouraged by NBC’s response to date, I am in awe of the courage my client showed to be the first to raise a complaint and to do so without making any demands other than the company do the right thing.”

Matt’s Digital Presence Vanishes

As scandals often unfold, Matt deleted his Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook accounts shortly after the allegations surfaced. It was no surprise, given the intense backlash he faced online. Meanwhile, NBC swiftly erased any mention of Matt from the Today show’s website, cutting ties entirely with the disgraced anchor.

No Payout for Matt

Despite having a $20 million contract, Matt wasn’t entitled to a payout after his firing. His lawyers initially argued he was owed $30 million, but NBC stood firm, citing a morality clause in his contract. “Matt will not be paid past his last day of work,” a senior NBC News source confirmed. “There has been an irrevocable breach of Matt’s contract, and NBC can terminate his employment immediately without pay.”

Another Allegation Surfaces

More allegations emerged soon after, with a former Today production assistant named Addie Collins Zinone sharing her story. She recounted how Matt sent her a flirtatious message, inviting her to his dressing room and office, where he allegedly used a secret button to lock the door behind her. “What happened with Matt held me hostage,” Addie said. “I was under his spell. It was all-consuming. I couldn’t focus. I couldn’t concentrate. Every time I turned on the TV, there was his face. And he was acting all jolly and happy. Here am I, carrying the weight of what had happened and fending off the national press. I didn’t want to start my career being known as one of Matt Lauer’s girls.”