NBC sack Today host Matt Lauer over sex allegation

Matt Lauer – the host of morning news programme ‘Today’ – has been fired by NBC over an allegation of sexual misconduct.

“On Monday night, we received a detailed complaint from a colleague about inappropriate sexual behaviour in the workplace by Matt Lauer,” said NBC.

“As a result, we’ve decided to terminate his employment.”

Matt, who is 59-years-old, joined the Today show in January 1994 as news anchor.

He stepped in for Scott Simon, Mike Schneider and Jack Ford as the co-host of Weekend Today, and for Ann Curry as anchor of the former NBC News program NBC News at Sunrise from 1992 to 1997. He had also filled in for Tom Brokaw on NBC Nightly News.

As the Today Show news anchor, he also substituted for Bryant Gumbel on the Today Show before being named the official co-anchor on January 6, 1997, after Gumbel stepped down.

‘Today’ co-hosts Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb said they were “heartbroken” by the news.

“As I’m sure you can imagine we are devastated and are still processing all of this,” Guthrie said.

“I’m heartbroken for Matt – he is my dear, dear friend and my partner and he has been loved by many people here.

“And I’m heartbroken for the brave colleague who came forward to tell her story and any other women who have their own stories to tell.”