When the news hit that Matt Lauer was being fired from NBC in November 2017 due to sexual misconduct allegations, it sent shockwaves through the media world. Even his fellow Today co-hosts were blindsided. Fast forward nearly five months, and former Today star Meredith Vieira opened up about the unexpected turn of events during an event in New York City on March 26, 2019.
Surprise and Shock Among Co-Hosts
Meredith, now 65, shared her thoughts with Us Weekly, revealing the widespread surprise at the network. "I think everybody was surprised," she said. "This was a situation handled by HR and the network, exactly as it should have been. Honestly, I don't think anyone saw this coming." The news hit like a thunderclap, leaving many in the industry reeling.
Personal Reflections on an Old Friend
Despite the allegations, Meredith couldn't help but reflect on her time working closely with Matt, who is now 61. "He was always very kind to me and my family," she recalled. "From everything I could tell, he was a great dad. You just never know what lies beneath the surface." The two worked together during her tenure on Today from 2006 to 2011, and their professional relationship was built on mutual respect.
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Addressing the Allegations
Meredith also addressed Matt's alleged infidelity, acknowledging that it crossed a line beyond mere "bad-boy behavior." "If you're going to call out people for cheating, a lot of people wouldn't have jobs," she said. "But this went beyond that." Matt's marriage to Annette Roque had been set to celebrate its 21st anniversary this year, making the allegations even more shocking. Meredith emphasized that while infidelity is one thing, the allegations against Matt went much deeper.
