Matt Lauer Fired: Rose McGowan, Megyn Kelly and More Celebrities React
Longtime Today show anchor Matt Lauer was fired by NBC late Tuesday night over an allegation of sexual misconduct. News broke on Wednesday morning and Lauer’s co-anchor Savannah Guthrie addressed his termination on air.
She said: “We just learned this moments ago, just this morning. As I’m sure you can imagine, we are devastated and we are still processing all of this. And I will tell you right now, we do not know more than what I just shared with you. But we will be covering this story as reporters, as journalists. I’m sure we will be learning more details in the hours and days to come, and we promise we will share that with you.”
Guthrie added, “We are heartbroken. I’m heartbroken for Matt—he is my dear, dear friend and my partner, and he has been loved by many, many people here. And I’m heartbroken for the brave colleague who came forward to tell her story, and any other women who have their own stories to tell.”
Fellow NBC News anchor, Megyn Kelly, addressed the news on her morning show. She said, “This one does hit close to home. I, too, have known Matt for a long time. He has been a friend, and kind and supportive to me in my transition to NBC News.”
Kelly added, “I see the anguish on my colleagues faces. But when this happens, what we don’t see is the pain on the faces of those who found the courage to come forward. It is a terrifying thing to do. We don’t see the career opportunities women lose because of sexual harassment, or the intense stress it causes a woman dealing with it when she comes to work each day. I am thinking of those women this morning, and hoping they are okay. The days to come will not be easy.”
Kathie Lee Gifford spoke out Wednesday morning as well:
WATCH: “The processing is going to take a lot of time…” @hodakotb and @KathieLGifford on Matt Lauer’s termination from NBC News. pic.twitter.com/Qy1lnu1mYH
— Kathie Lee and Hoda (@klgandhoda) November 29, 2017
Other celebrities have taken to Twitter to react to the news:
As Trump drags Matt LAUER this morning on Twitter, let’s not forget the ACCESS HOLLYWOOD tape where TRUMP admits to sexual assault… “grab them by the…”
— Emmy Rossum (@emmyrossum) November 29, 2017
Matt Lauer has been on my list for a while. It’s really too bad more Americans don’t come to my shows. I pretty much recite the list in every show. Haha. I told you, my memory is long, my friends. I’ve been around a long time…
— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) November 29, 2017
Don’t let the door hit you on the way out, Matt Lauer. “Today Show” #ROSEARMY
— rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) November 29, 2017
An SNL sketch where the reporters report on their own sexual misconduct and firings but they don’t know it until live prompter
— christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) November 29, 2017
LAUER FIRED AFTER INVESTIGATION: ‘Today Show’ host Matt Lauer fired after being accused of “inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace” — the co-hosts share their initial reaction. pic.twitter.com/WAFR4Rqchk
— The View (@TheView) November 29, 2017
For those who never knew how bad the abuse of power has been there’s understandable shock & horror w every new story. But for those of us who’ve had to endure it & been punished or humiliated for speaking up, this day of reckoning is a blessing. Today we matter & I’m so grateful. https://t.co/1idYYRzpwC
— om (@oliviamunn) November 29, 2017
Even President Trump, who was accused of sexual misconduct during the election, offered his opinion:
Wow, Matt Lauer was just fired from NBC for “inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace.” But when will the top executives at NBC & Comcast be fired for putting out so much Fake News. Check out Andy Lack’s past!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 29, 2017