It’s been a whirlwind for Matt Lauer since his abrupt departure from the "Today" show amid allegations of sexual misconduct. Just days after being fired on November 22, 2017, reports suggest the 59-year-old veteran journalist made a significant move. According to Page Six, Matt left the bustling streets of New York City on November 29 and drove to the serene Hamptons. His mission? To personally deliver some hard truths to his 16-year-old son, Jack, right after picking him up from school.
A Father's Urgent Mission
For Matt, the decision to make the trip wasn’t just about logistics—it was about ensuring his son heard the news directly from him, rather than stumbling upon it through the relentless media circus. "Matt’s first thought was that he needed to explain this to his son Jack in person," a source revealed. "It would be far more painful for Jack to read about it in the press and online." Matt, known for his polished on-air demeanor, took matters into his own hands, driving straight to Jack’s prep school that morning. This wasn’t just a father-son moment; it was a pivotal act of responsibility in a time of crisis.
A Bond That Matters
Page Six paints a picture of a deep bond between Matt and Jack, whom he shares with his wife, Annette Roque. They’re more than father and son—they’re close companions. That connection fueled Matt’s urgency to personally address the situation with his eldest child. Beyond Jack, Matt is also dad to Romy, 14, and Thijs, 11, with Annette. While the family resides full-time on Long Island, Matt had spent most of his time in Manhattan, dedicating himself to the grind of the "Today" show. But with recent events, it seems that dynamic is about to change.
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Matt and Jack in 2013. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
The Fallout: A New Chapter for Matt
As the dust settles, it’s clear that Matt’s life is shifting gears. NBC’s decision to sever ties came after a female colleague accused him of sexual harassment years ago. Since then, a flood of past behaviors resurfaced, painting a troubling picture. A 2006 clip showed Matt jokingly telling co-anchor Meredith Vieira to “keep bending over” because “it’s a nice view.” In 2012, Katie Couric recounted on "Watch What Happens Live" how Matt repeatedly pinched her on the set of "Today." Variety even reported an instance where Matt gifted a sex toy to a female colleague, complete with an explicit note. And perhaps most disturbing, there were allegations that he exposed himself to an employee who didn’t consent to any sexual act.
A Sincere Apology and Path Forward
On Thursday morning, Matt issued a heartfelt apology, acknowledging the gravity of his actions. “There are no words to express my sorrow and regret for the pain I have caused others by words and actions,” he confessed. “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.”
Matt went on to express, “I regret that my shame is now shared by the people I cherish dearly. 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.”
