After being fired from the Today show and accused of sexual misconduct by multiple women, Matt Lauer issued an apology in a statement. “There are no words to express my sorrow and regret for the pain I have caused others by words and actions,†Lauer said. “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.â€
Lauer’s statement, which was read aloud on Today, the NBC morning news program Lauer had hosted since 1997 on Thursday morning, continued, saying, “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.†Hoda Kotb joined Savannah Guthrie to host the show this morning.