Matt Lauer Expresses 'Sorrow and Regret' in First Statement Since Firing

A statement from Matt Lauer: “There are no words to express my sorrow and regret for the pain I [...]

By Kelsey Patterson

One day after being fired by NBC, Matt Lauer has issued his first statement to the network.

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.

Lauer was terminated by NBC after a colleague complained about "inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace" by the veteran Today anchor.

NBC Chairman Andy Lack said that while it was the first complaint he has received about Lauer's behavior, it was serious enough to show a "clear violation of our company's standard" and the claim gave "reason to believe this may not have been an isolated incident."

In the hours following the network's announcement, reports claimed that the incident in question happened at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. A report by Variety also detailed more than 10 accounts of sexual misconduct by Lauer, ranging from accusations of sexting or buying adult toys to graphic sexual assault.

Photo Credit: NBC

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