Matt Lauer

Matt Lauer officially became the co-anchor of the 'Today' show on January 6, 1997, replacing Bryant Gumbel. This role cemented Lauer as a central figure in American morning television and brought him into millions of households every morning. His tenure at the 'Today' show was marked by significant ratings success and made him one of NBC's most prominent personalities until his dismissal in 2017.

In March 2012, Matt Lauer signed a new contract with NBC, reportedly worth $25 million per year. The renewal solidified his position as one of the highest-paid personalities on television. Despite rumors of discontent and declining ratings, NBC decided to keep Lauer as the face of their morning news program, citing his popularity and appeal to the audience as key factors in their decision.

In 2013, reports surfaced that Matt Lauer had played a significant role in Ann Curry's ousting from the 'Today' show in 2012. These allegations suggested that Lauer's complicated relationship with Curry contributed to NBC executives' decision to make a dramatic change in the show's dynamic. Ann Curry's emotional on-air farewell had been a significant moment in TV history, with many viewers sympathizing with her plight.

On November 29, 2017, NBC announced that Matt Lauer had been fired from the 'Today' show following allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior. This shocking news came amid a wave of accusations against prominent figures during the #MeToo movement. NBC stated that they received a detailed complaint from a colleague, and further investigation suggested this was not an isolated incident. Lauer's firing ended his over two-decade career with the network.

On April 26, 2018, Matt Lauer issued a public apology after a report by Variety and other media outlets surfaced with new allegations of sexual misconduct against him. Lauer expressed regret and admitted he acted inappropriately as a husband, father, and principal at NBC. This apology was part of a broader acknowledgment of his actions, though Lauer also challenged some of the accusations as mischaracterizations or exaggerations.

Details from Ronan Farrow's book 'Catch and Kill' were released on October 9, 2019, providing new accounts of allegations against Matt Lauer. The book included disturbing allegations, including one from former NBC employee Brooke Nevils, who accused Lauer of rape. Lauer denied the allegations but admitted to an extramarital affair. These revelations sparked widespread media coverage and further tarnished Lauer's public image.

On May 19, 2020, Matt Lauer published a lengthy open letter vehemently denying the rape allegations made by Brooke Nevils in Ronan Farrow's book. In this letter, Lauer accused Farrow of bias and alleged that the investigation was flawed. This letter was published as part of Lauer's ongoing effort to salvage his reputation, as he provided his own account of events, criticizing the media's portrayal of the situation.

Matt Lauer and Annette Roque finalized their divorce quietly in November 2021. This marked the end of a marriage that faced public scrutiny following the widespread allegations against Lauer and led to his fall from grace. The couple, who share three children, reached a settlement that reportedly split their assets and estates. This chapter closed amid Lauer's continued efforts to stay out of the public eye following his departure from NBC.

On January 2, 2022, it was reported that Matt Lauer sold his lavish Hamptons estate, 'Strongheart Manor', for $44 million. The sale of this property, which he purchased in 2016, was seen as part of his ongoing retreat from public life following the controversy and allegations that led to his firing from NBC. The estate, previously owned by Richard Gere, was a significant asset in Lauer's property portfolio.