If anyone missed the news of Matt Lauer’s termination from the Today Show this morning, they probably heard about it tonight during NBC’s live broadcast of the Christmas tree-lighting in Rockefeller Center.
The iconic anchor was absent from his usual place covering the event, but his former co-workers filled in for him.
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We’re getting ready to light the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree! pic.twitter.com/1lKNejDafc
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) November 30, 2017
As the annual tree-lighting ceremony began to trend on Twitter, some people who missed the morning news wondered where he had gone, while others took the time to share their reactions to the news.
“Any reason Matt Lauer is not at tree lighting event this evening?” one user wondered, while another noted that Lester Holt was filling in. Others, who had the full story, felt that Lauer’s absence was a little awkward.
*when NBC fires Matt Lauer and later that day goes ahead with the #RockCenterXMAS like nothing’s up… pic.twitter.com/IZrstSco3U
— Cyrus McQueen (@CyrusMMcQueen) November 30, 2017
Matt Lauer at home watching #RockCenterXmas pic.twitter.com/4BxUKhsAuW
— Kelly Puz (@kananat) November 30, 2017
Of course, in a situation like this, people will interpret the actions of the Today Show crew with a lot of scrutiny, whether it’s meant that way or not.
Any one else see Lester Holt call out NBC and be all “y’all only invited me this year cuz Lauer is out.” Without actually saying it????!!!! #RockCenterXMAS
— Kate Kirk (@katekirk1) November 30, 2017
Some people couldn’t help but imagine what would happen if Lauer showed up at the lighting anyway.
A disgraced Matt Lauer finds a way to crash the #RockCenterXmas pic.twitter.com/0UbJOmPY1j
— Andy Doherty (@AllThingsAndy) November 30, 2017
Waiting for Matt Lauer to drunkenly show up to share commentary with Savannah, Hoda, and Al. #RockCenterXMAS
— P.R. needs power (@ABookishMind) November 30, 2017
A few people noticed that, while Lauer is absent from the show and absent from the ads, some cable companies didn’t quite catch up in time.
Where in the hell is Matt Lauer? #RockCenterXMAS pic.twitter.com/HbQVH4pVjc
— Rob Williams (@robwilliamsNY) November 30, 2017
But, for most of the audience, no matter their stance, the tree-lighting didn’t suffer from Lauer’s absence. Plus, they’d never miss a chance to make jokes at the expense of a public figure.
DID YOU KNOW? each light on this year’s #RockCenterXMAS tree represents one low-level staffer that Matt Lauer harassed
— tyler✨ (@tylerc) November 30, 2017
