Ousted “Today” show host Matt Lauer released a statement on Thursday expressing apologies for his behavior and conduct amid multiple sexual harassment claims that led NBC to fire him.
Here is Matt Lauer’s full statement pic.twitter.com/ht1CLzMU6S
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) November 30, 2017
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“There are no words to express my sorrow and regret for the pain I have caused others by words and actions,” Lauer said. “To the people I have hurt, I am truly sorry.”
He continued, “As I am writing this I realize the depth of the damage and disappointment I have left behind at home and at NBC.”
But Lauer also added that some of the statements being made about him are “untrue or mischaracterized.” That being said, he indicated that there is enough truth circulating to make him feel convicted and ashamed.
“There is enough truth in these stories to make me feel embarrassed and ashamed,” Lauer continued. “I regret that my shame is now shared by the people I cherish dearly.”
The ex-TV host said that he is committed to soul searching and to taking the time to repair damage that he perpetuated, adding that he has been examining his “own troubling flaws” since the firing unfolded on Tuesday.
“It’s been humbling,” he said. “I am blessed to be surrounded by the people I love. I thank them for their patience and grace.”
As Faithwire previously reported, the allegations against Lauer are quite troubling. Variety unveiled an exclusive report on Wednesday claiming to detail the incidents at the heart of Lauer’s sudden termination after over a decade on the “Today show.
The report is lengthy, and details common practices for Lauer that crossed lines, as he took advantage of his powerful position and got away with what can only be described as morally inappropriate behavior.
Included in the Variety report are allegations that Lauer gave a colleague a sex toy as a present, and if your immediate thought is that it was a joke, Lauer included with the gift an “explicit” note that explained how he’d like to use the toy on her.
And that’s just the tame part of the allegations. Lauer purportedly went so far as to expose himself to female employees, and scold them if they didn’t partake. Read more here.
(H/T: CNN)