The name Matt Lauer was once synonymous with American morning television. As the co-host of The Today Show for over two decades, he was a familiar face in households across the country. However, his career took a dramatic turn in 2017 when he was fired from NBC amid allegations of sexual misconduct. Since then, Lauer has largely remained out of the public eye.
As we step into 2023, many are curious about what Matt Lauer has been up to and how he has rebuilt—or failed to rebuild—his life and reputation. This article takes a closer look at matt lauer 2023, his professional and personal life, and whether he has made any attempts at a comeback.
Matt Lauer’s Career Before the Scandal
Before addressing where Matt Lauer is today, it’s essential to understand how he got to where he was before his fall from grace. Lauer joined The Today Show in 1994, quickly rising to become one of the most well-known faces in television journalism. His ability to conduct both hard-hitting interviews and lighthearted segments made him a favorite among viewers.
Throughout his career, Lauer interviewed world leaders, celebrities, and influential figures, earning multiple awards and recognition. His estimated annual salary at NBC reached $25 million, making him one of the highest-paid television hosts in the industry.
However, behind the scenes, Lauer’s reputation among colleagues was not as flawless. Reports of inappropriate behavior, power imbalances, and a toxic workplace culture had circulated before the allegations became public.
The 2017 Scandal and Its Fallout
In November 2017, Matt Lauer was abruptly fired from NBC after a female colleague came forward with accusations of inappropriate sexual behavior. Following his dismissal, multiple women shared similar allegations, painting a picture of a toxic workplace environment at The Today Show.
NBC News Chairman Andrew Lack confirmed Lauer’s firing in a public statement, emphasizing that the network had “reason to believe this was not an isolated incident.” The scandal sent shockwaves through the media industry, as Lauer had been one of the most respected figures in broadcast journalism.
After the allegations surfaced, Lauer issued a statement acknowledging his wrongdoing but also disputing some of the accusations. His career in mainstream media effectively ended overnight, and he retreated from the public eye.
Matt Lauer’s Life in 2023
1. Where Is Matt Lauer Now?
Since his exit from NBC, Matt Lauer has kept a low profile, rarely making public appearances or statements. In 2023, he continues to live a private life, primarily residing in the Hamptons, where he owns a multi-million-dollar estate. Sources close to Lauer have described him as reclusive, spending time with close friends and family while avoiding the media spotlight.
While some public figures have attempted comebacks after scandals, Lauer has not actively pursued a return to television or journalism. Reports indicate that he has been focusing on personal projects and private business ventures, though details about these remain scarce.
2. His Relationship with Former Colleagues and the Media
In the years following his departure from The Today Show, many of Lauer’s former colleagues have distanced themselves from him. Some, including his former co-hosts Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb, publicly expressed their disappointment and sadness over the revelations.
In 2023, it remains unclear whether Lauer has maintained contact with his former coworkers. While some reports suggest he still communicates with a few individuals from his NBC days, he is no longer a significant part of the media industry.
3. Personal Life and Relationships
Matt Lauer’s personal life has also undergone significant changes since 2017. His marriage to Annette Roque ended in divorce in 2019, following reports of his infidelity and inappropriate workplace behavior. The couple, who had been married since 1998, share three children.
In 2023, Lauer is reportedly in a relationship with his longtime friend and public relations executive, Shamin Abas. The couple has been seen together on rare occasions, though they largely maintain a private lifestyle. Abas, who has a career in luxury brand marketing, has been described as a supportive partner who has helped Lauer navigate his post-scandal life.
4. Public Perception and Attempts at Redemption
Public opinion about Matt Lauer remains largely negative. Despite years of silence, many people still associate his name with the #MeToo movement and workplace misconduct.
Lauer has not made significant efforts to rehabilitate his public image through interviews, books, or television appearances. Unlike some disgraced public figures who have attempted to stage comebacks through podcasts, independent media, or memoirs, Lauer has remained mostly silent.
In 2023, there is no indication that he plans to return to journalism or media in any capacity. His absence from social media and public discourse further suggests that he has accepted his status as a former public figure rather than attempting to regain his influence.
Conclusion
Matt Lauer’s career and reputation took a massive hit in 2017, and in 2023, he remains out of the public eye. Once one of the most powerful figures in television journalism, his legacy is now largely defined by the scandal that led to his downfall.While some figures embroiled in controversy have attempted to rebuild their careers, Lauer has chosen a path of privacy and retreat. Whether this is a personal choice or a reflection of the public’s unwillingness to accept his return remains uncertain.As time goes on, the conversation around Lauer continues to fade, with newer figures and stories taking center stage. However, for those who remember his time in the spotlight, Matt Lauer serves as a cautionary tale of how power and misconduct can lead to a rapid and permanent fall from grace.
