Matt Lauer issued an apology to his fans today after being fired from the Today Show just short of his 21st anniversary with the program as host. Lauer, according to reports, exposed himself to at least one female employee, sexually harassed another at the 2016 Olympic Games, and summoned a female employee to his office for sex, where he had a “panic button” under his desk that locked the door.
Here’s the apology:
“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 the people I love. I thank them for their patience and grace.”
