Matt Lauer Fired by NBC News
Matt Lauer has been fired from NBC News after an employee filed a complaint about "inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace," The announcement was made at the beginning of the "Today" show this morning.
Savannah Guthrie made the announcement at the top of the "Today" show, where Lauer has been an anchor for two decades.
CNN reports NBC News chairman Andrew Lack sent out a memo to staff saying this was the first complaint lodged against Lauer in his career at the network. But he said "we were also presented with reason to believe this may not have been an isolated incident."
Just last week, CBS News fired one of its own morning anchors, Charlie Rose, after a report in The Washington Post chronicled years of sexual misconduct.
"This is a sad morning at 'Today' and NBC News," she said. "As I'm sure you can understand, we are devastated. I'm heartbroken for Matt. He is my dear, dear colleague."
Guthrie also said she was heartbroken for the woman who accused Lauer of misconduct, noting "it's long overdue" that women feel comfortable coming forward against abusive men.
Hoda Kotb, on the set with Guthrie, said she has known Lauer for years and "loved him as a friend and a colleague."