Matt Lauer’s Life After the Misconduct Scandal: Where Is He Now Following His Departure from Today?

Matt Lauer was dismissed from Today during a sexual misconduct controversy — but what is he up to now after stepping away from the limelight?

Lauer began his journey with Today in 1994 and became a co-host three years later. In November 2017, he was terminated from the program following allegations of sexual misconduct. A female staff member accused him of inappropriate behavior during their coverage of the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, three years before his dismissal. Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie publicly announced his firing on-air and subsequently took over as the show’s co-hosts.

“I have refrained from making public comments on the numerous false narratives from anonymous or biased sources reported about me over the past several months. I remained silent to spare my family further humiliation and to regain a semblance of the privacy they have lost,” Lauer stated in a 2018 message to The Washington Post. “However, to defend my family now means I must speak up. I fully acknowledge my inappropriate actions as a husband, father, and principal at NBC.”

He added: “However, I want to clearly state that any allegations or reports of coercive, aggressive, or abusive behavior on my part at any time are completely false.”

In the wake of the scandal, Lauer’s then-wife, Annette Roque, filed for divorce in July 2019. The couple, who share three children, have since completed the divorce process, and Lauer has begun dating Shamin Abas amid speculation about a potential return to the public eye.

“They’re very much involved,” a source told Us Weekly in 2024. “He wants to demonstrate that he is in a stable relationship. He isn’t a playboy; he has established a stable life.”

The insider noted that Lauer is concentrating on “laying the groundwork for a comeback.”

“He’s not fading away quietly,” the source continued. “He is on good terms with his children, which is his top priority. This wasn’t always the case after the divorce, but things have improved.”

Continue reading to find out Lauer’s current situation:

What Were the Allegations Against Matt and How Did the Investigation Conclude?

Lauer’s career hit the headlines in November 2017 when he was let go by NBC amidst sexual misconduct allegations. At that time, a female colleague accused him of inappropriate conduct during the network’s coverage of the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

Following his exit from NBC, journalist Ronan Farrow released further information concerning the alleged incident in his 2019 book, Catch and Kill.

Did Matt Respond at the Time?

Lauer released a statement following his termination.

“Words cannot express my sorrow and regret for the pain I have caused others through my words and actions. To those I have hurt, I am genuinely sorry. As I write this, I recognize the extent of the damage and disappointment I have created at home and at NBC. Some claims about me are untrue or mischaracterized, but there is enough truth in these accounts to leave me feeling embarrassed and ashamed,” he conveyed in a message to Us at the time. “I regret that my shame is now shared by those I hold dear.”

What Was Matt’s Reaction to Ronan’s Allegations?

“On October 9, 2019, I was falsely accused of rape,” Lauer wrote in a blog post on Mediaite in May 2020. “This accusation was one of the most devastating events of my life, profoundly affecting my family, and outrageously it was used to promote books.”

Lauer asserted that his previous interactions with his accuser, Brooke Nevils, were “consensual but inappropriate.” He also expressed feeling “shaken yet not surprised” by the lack of support from his former colleagues during the public turmoil.

“The rush to judgment was rapid. Actually, on the morning I was falsely accused of rape, journalists were already labeling my accuser as ‘brave’ and ‘courageous’ before I could even provide a statement,” he elaborated. “I was also disappointed, but not surprised, that the overall reporting by Ronan Farrow faced so little scrutiny.”

Farrow countered Lauer’s claims about the integrity of his reporting being “too good” to be accurate, asserting on X at the time, “All I’ll say is that Matt Lauer is simply incorrect. Catch and Kill was thoroughly reported and fact-checked, including with Matt Lauer himself.”

What Is Matt Doing Now?

After retreating from public view, a source informed Us that Lauer was “still eager for a comeback” and he “no longer feels” shame regarding the controversy. Two years later, another insider confirmed he has not dismissed the idea of returning to television.

“He has started conversations with people,” an insider shared. “He’s strategizing his next move, and he remains upset about how he has been portrayed, still feeling like a victim.”

The source revealed that Lauer is “keen to reenter the media landscape,” noting, “He wants to regain relevance; what that entails has yet to be determined. He went from being a prominent figure to being labeled ‘disgraced’; it’s incredibly painful for him to be seen publicly with his girlfriend. He’s quite sensitive — don’t anticipate an apology; he believes he is the one owed an apology.”

When Was Matt’s Last Public Appearance?

Lauer was seen at the December 2023 wedding of former producer Jennifer Long in New York City. He also reunited with several colleagues at Don Lemon and Tim Malone’s wedding reception in 2024.

Lemon later expressed his belief that Lauer could successfully return to television.

“I believe if he could return to digital, he can set his own path,” he shared on the “Hollywood Raw Podcast With Dax Holt and Adam Glyn” in January 2025. “However, I only got to know Matt after the whole situation unfolded. Whenever I encounter him out in public or even when we go out for dinner with our spouses, people love him. Women adore him, saying, ‘Oh my God, can I have a picture? I miss you on television!’”

After becoming acquainted with Lauer off-screen, Lemon expressed his support. “I believe the public is fond of him. They miss him, but it’s the industry insiders who have reservations,” he added. “Perhaps there is a way for him to come back, but the people in the business worry about what transpired with Matt.”

Lemon concluded: “I believe the general public would embrace Matt’s return. I think ratings would be strong.”