Report by Paula Antolini
November 30, 2017 7:24AM EDT
Image: Twitter post, Matt Lauer / Variety
Former NBC Today Show Host Matt Lauer Releases Statement Regarding Sexual Assault Allegations
NBC News stated: Fired “Today” anchor Matt Lauer broke his silence Thursday in a statement read on the show, saying he was “truly sorry” after allegations of sexual misconduct led to his termination. Lauer’s statement was a partial denial but he admitted, “there is enough truth in these stories to make me feel embarrassed and ashamed.”
Moments ago Savannah Guthrie read a statement on air regarding her former co-host Matt Lauer’s response to sexual assault allegations.
Full statement as follows:
“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,” Lauer said in a statement that was released by a personal publicist and formed the bulk of the top story on “Today” Thursday morning. “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.”
NBC News stated: “The move to fire Lauer, a fixture in national morning news for two decades, came after a female colleague made a detailed complaint with NBC News on Monday accusing him of inappropriate sexual behavior during the 2014 Sochi Olympics. In addition, The New York Times reported that two other women had made complaints about Lauer, 59, after he was fired. An unidentified former employee told The Times that Lauer sexually assaulted her in his office in 2001. NBC officials confirmed that two more accusers had come forward on Wednesday.”
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