Peter Kramer/NBC(NEW YORK) — Matt Lauer has expressed “sorrow and regret for the pain I have caused others” in a statement read on Thursday morning’s Today show, his first official public statement since being fired from NBC a day ago in the wake of sexual misconduct allegations against him.
Lauer’s statement was read at the beginning of the Today broadcast by host Savannah Guthrie. Lauer says in part of the allegations, “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.”
Lauer was fired Wednesday due to what was described in a statement by NBC News Chairman Andy Lack as “inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace.” Lack’s statement also says NBC was “also presented with reason to believe this may not have been an isolated incident.”
Lauer’s statement concludes: “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 people I love. I thank them for their patience and grace.”
Wednesday afternoon, Variety published a story that details claims of Lauer’s sexual misconduct according to several current and former anonymous NBC staffers. One told reporters Lauer gave her a sex toy as a present, accompanied by a note detailing how he wanted to use it on her. Another said he exposed himself to her in his office, then reprimanded her when she didn’t engage. Two others told Variety Lauer had a button under his desk that would automatically lock his office door, that allegedly “allowed him to welcome female employees and initiate inappropriate contact while knowing nobody could walk in on him.”
Variety writes that several women “complained to executives at the network about Lauer’s behavior,” but that their complaints “fell on deaf ears.”
Here’s Lauer’s Thursday morning statement, in its entirety, as read on Today:
“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. 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 people I love. I thank them for their patience and grace.”
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