Katie Couric Opens Up About Matt Lauer's Firing From 'Today' Show
In November 2017, celebrated news anchorman Matt Lauer was outed as a sexual predator when he was fired from the Today show after he accused of assaulting a female worker.
The announcement, rocked the media and entertainment industry, as Lauer's fall from grace was another ripple effect from the "Weinstein Epidemic."
Many of Lauer's colleagues and friends handled the news with dignity while also adding their own hurt and pain they felt from the revelation. One person who has remained mum on the situation was Lauer's former "partner in crime," Katie Couric.
Couric, who was a correspondent on the Today show from 1991 to 2006, was questioned about her opinion on Lauer's firing but did not respond at the time. Now, she is opening up about how she feels in reference to Lauer's scandal.
Katie Couric: 'This Is Not The Matt We Knew'
Couric had a very close relationship with Lauer, on and off screen. Recently, the journalist sat down with People magazine for an interview where she spoke about the accusations against Lauer.
"The accounts I've read and heard have been disturbing, distressing and disorienting and it's completely unacceptable that any woman at the Today show experienced this kind of treatment," said Couric.
The journalist further stated that she was unaware of anything Lauer had been accused of, before and after her time on the popular morning show. Couric also said that from the allegations she heard, it “wasn’t the Matt” she or anyone knew.
"Matt was a kind and generous colleague who treated me with respect. In fact, a joke I once made on late-night television was just that, because it was completely contrary to our brother-sister relationship. It's still very upsetting," Couric continued.
Couric did praise the show's current anchors, Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie, for handling the fallout professionally. She ended the interview saying that the situation was painful for her.
The Show Must Go On
After Lauer's termination, NBC announced that Kotb would permanently take his place. Kotb, who had been on the show since 2008, received encouragement from all her fellow anchors and even Lauer himself.
Lauer has stayed out of the spotlight since the scandals broke. His wife, Annette Roque, left him after and could be divorcing him. He did issue an apology to his family and colleague but denied the accusations against him.
