The Matt Lauer Scandal: Behind the Fall of a ‘Today’ Show Icon

On November 29, 2017, millions of Today show viewers witnessed something surreal. Co-hosts Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb, visibly emotional and holding hands, announced that Matt Lauer—their colleague and friend of decades—had been fired effective immediately due to “inappropriate sexual behavior”. For many, it was a moment of whiplash: Lauer had been a beloved morning news fixture for 20 years, yet in a matter of hours, his career lay in ruins. This scandal didn’t just end a career; it exposed a toxic culture hidden behind the glossy facade of morning television and became a defining chapter in the #MeToo movement.

The Allegations: More Than an “Isolated Incident”

Lauer’s termination followed a detailed complaint from a female colleague about his behavior during and after the 2014 Sochi Olympics. But what initially seemed like one accusation soon unfolded into a pattern of misconduct:

• Sexual Assault: One woman accused Lauer of summoning her to his office in 2001, locking the door, and sexually assaulting her.
• Predatory Behavior: Multiple women described him exposing himself, giving a sex toy as a gift with an explicit note, and reprimanding those who rejected his advances.
• Systemic Harassment: Lauer allegedly used a button under his desk to lock his office door and targeted junior staffers, including interns and bookers.

NBC claimed this was the first formal complaint against Lauer in his 20-year tenure but acknowledged it was likely not an isolated incident. However, reports from Variety and The New York Times suggested that NBC had long been aware of rumors about Lauer’s behavior.

NBC’s Role: Complicity and Cover-Up?

NBC’s handling of the scandal raised serious questions about corporate complicity. Despite Lauer’s reputation as “the franchise”—a star generating $500 million annually for NBC—the network acted swiftly once the story threatened to go public. But was this a genuine commitment to accountability or damage control?

• Failed Oversight: Lauer’s power within NBC allowed him to operate with impunity. He reportedly had close ties to management, including then-Chairman Andrew Lack, who was a personal friend.
• Ignored Warnings: Variety reported that multiple women had complained about Lauer over the years, but their concerns “fell on deaf ears” due to the show’s profitability.
• Selective Accountability: Just weeks earlier, NBC had also fired Matt Zimmerman, a senior booking producer close to Lauer, for similar misconduct.

This pattern echoed NBC’s earlier failure to support Ronan Farrow’s reporting on Harvey Weinstein, which eventually ran in The New Yorker instead.

The Cultural Reckoning: #MeToo in Morning TV

Lauer’s downfall was part of a broader wave of #MeToo revelations that swept through media, entertainment, and politics in 2017. Within days of his firing, similar accusations ended the careers of Charlie Rose (CBS) and Mark Halperin (NBC). The scandal highlighted how power imbalances and a culture of silence enabled predators for decades.

Key Factors in the Scandal:

1. Normalization of Abuse: Lauer’s behavior was reportedly an open secret at NBC. One source bluntly stated, “Everybody knew”.
2. Victim Silencing: Women feared retaliation or professional ruin if they spoke out. One accuser said she didn’t report Lauer’s assault because she felt “ashamed” and helpless.
3. Industry-Wide Complicity: Advertisers and networks prioritized profit over people, protecting stars who drove revenue.

Lessons from the Scandal: A Changed Landscape

The Matt Lauer scandal forced a reckoning in broadcast journalism and beyond:

• Accountability Over Profit: Networks can no longer ignore misconduct to protect revenue streams.
• Whistleblower Protection: Organizations must create safe channels for reporting harassment.
• Cultural Shift: The era of powerful men acting with impunity is ending.

Table: Key Figures in the NBC Scandal

Conclusion: The Unfinished Work

The fall of Matt Lauer was a watershed moment that revealed the rot beneath the glamour of morning television. It showed that no one—no matter how powerful—is immune to accountability. Yet, the work is far from over. True change requires ongoing vigilance, corporate transparency, and a commitment to believing survivors.

As we reflect on this scandal, let’s ask ourselves: How can we ensure that the next generation of workplaces is safer, more equitable, and free from the abuses of power that defined the past?

What are your thoughts? Share your perspectives in the comments below or explore our related coverage on media accountability and the #MeToo movement.