Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Matt Lauer

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Matt Lauer.

Matt Lauer is a former American television news personality, prominently known for his long tenure as co-anchor of NBC's Today show from 1997 to 2017. Prior to that, he served as the news anchor for Today from 1994 to 1997 after working in local news in New York City. Lauer also frequently contributed to Dateline NBC and hosted events such as the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and Olympic Games opening ceremonies during his time with NBC.

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Full Timeline Controversies & Scandals

June 2000: Addie Zinone's Accusation

In June 2000, former Today production assistant Addie Zinone claimed that she had a consensual sexual relationship with Matt Lauer, characterizing it as an "abuse of power".

2000: Additional cases from 2000 to 2007

NBC acknowledged three additional cases from 2000 to 2007.

June 2005: Interview with Tom Cruise

In June 2005, Matt Lauer interviewed Tom Cruise, during which they argued about psychiatry and postpartum depression.

2006: Roque Files for Divorce (Then Reconciles)

In 2006, Annette Roque, while pregnant, filed for divorce from Matt Lauer alleging mental abuse, but they reconciled weeks later.

2007: Additional cases from 2000 to 2007

NBC acknowledged three additional cases from 2000 to 2007.

2008: Subject of Friars Club Roast

In 2008, Matt Lauer was the subject of a roast by the New York Friars Club, where jokes were made about his reputation for relationships with staff.

2010: Melissa Lonner's Claim

In 2010, Today show booker Melissa Lonner claimed that Matt Lauer exposed himself to her at an NBC cocktail party, which Lauer denied.

2012: Co-hosted the 2012 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony

In 2012, Matt Lauer co-hosted the opening ceremonies of the Summer Olympics. His commentary received criticism.

2014: Relationship with Brooke Nevils

Following Nevils' allegation of sexual assault in Farrow's book, Lauer issued an open letter confirming he had a consensual sexual relationship with Nevils that started in 2014 in Sochi, but denied the initial encounter was non-consensual.

2014: Alleged assault in Sochi

In "Catch and Kill", Farrow reveals one of the alleged victims as Brooke Nevils, who says Lauer anally raped her in his hotel room while the two were in Sochi covering the 2014 Winter Olympics for NBC.

Catch and Kill: Lies, Spies and a Conspiracy to Protect Predators

Check it on Amazon

2014: Harassment during 2014 Winter Olympics

On November 29, 2017, NBC News announced that Matt Lauer's employment had been terminated after a complaint of sexual harassment during the 2014 Winter Olympics and after.

September 8, 2016: Interviews with Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump

On September 8, 2016, Matt Lauer conducted separate interviews with presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, which were met with criticism.

November 2017: Contract Termination by NBC

In November 2017, NBC terminated Matt Lauer's contract after receiving a complaint about inappropriate sexual behavior, indicating it might not have been an isolated incident.

November 29, 2017: Termination by NBC News

On November 29, 2017, NBC News announced that Matt Lauer's employment had been terminated after a complaint of sexual harassment during the 2014 Winter Olympics and after.

2017: Sexual Harassment Allegations

In 2017, Matt Lauer faced sexual harassment allegations, leading to separation from his wife Annette Roque.

September 7, 2019: Divorce from Annette Roque

On September 7, 2019, Matt Lauer and Annette Roque officially divorced following a separation after sexual harassment allegations in 2017.

2019: "Catch and Kill" Publication

In the 2019 book Catch and Kill: Lies, Spies, and a Conspiracy to Protect Predators, Ronan Farrow cited multiple sources who stated that NBC News was aware of Lauer's misconduct beforehand.

Catch and Kill: Lies, Spies and a Conspiracy to Protect Predators

Check it on Amazon