The name Matt Lauer was once synonymous with morning television. As a longtime anchor of NBC’s Today Show, Lauer was a household name for millions of Americans. However, his career came to an abrupt halt in 2017 when he was fired amid allegations of sexual misconduct. Since then, Lauer has largely retreated from the public eye. But where is Matt Lauer in 2023? What has he been doing since he departed from NBC? In this article, we take a deep dive into his current life, career status, and the ongoing impact of his scandal.
Matt Lauer’s Career Before the Controversy
Before discussing Matt Lauer in 2023, it’s important to understand his career trajectory. Lauer started his career in journalism in the 1980s, working for various local news stations before joining NBC in 1992. He quickly rose through the ranks and became a co-anchor of the Today Show in 1997. For two decades, he was one of the most recognized faces in broadcast journalism, interviewing world leaders, and celebrities, and covering major global events.
Lauer was widely regarded as one of the highest-paid TV anchors, with a reported salary of $25 million per year at the peak of his career. However, his professional success was overshadowed by serious allegations that ultimately led to his downfall.
The 2017 Scandal and Its Aftermath
Lauer’s career came crashing down in November 2017 when NBC announced his termination following accusations of inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace. The allegations, which included reports of coercion and abuse of power, sent shockwaves through the media industry. Lauer issued a statement expressing regret but also denied some of the accusations made against him.
Following his dismissal, Lauer disappeared from the public eye, selling his luxurious Hamptons estate and retreating into a life of privacy. His reputation was irreparably damaged, and attempts at a comeback were met with resistance from both the public and the media industry.
Matt Lauer 2023: Where Is He Now?
So, where is Matt Lauer in 2023? Since his exit from NBC, Lauer has largely avoided the spotlight. He has been residing in the Hamptons, maintaining a relatively low-key lifestyle. Unlike other disgraced public figures who have attempted redemption through podcasts, books, or public apologies, Lauer has made no significant moves toward a media comeback.
His Personal Life
One of the biggest changes in Lauer’s life since his departure from NBC has been in his personal relationships. His marriage to Annette Roque ended in divorce in 2019, following the revelations of his misconduct. Since then, he has been linked to various women but has remained mostly private about his romantic life.
Attempts at Rehabilitation
While Lauer has not made a direct attempt to return to mainstream media, reports suggest he has tried to repair his public image within his private social circles. Some sources claim he has reached out to former colleagues and friends, seeking a path toward redemption. However, given the severity of the allegations against him, public sentiment remains largely unfavorable.
The Future of Matt Lauer’s Career
Given the current climate of accountability in media, Matt Lauer’s 2023 career prospects remain bleak. Unlike some public figures who have managed to stage comebacks, Lauer has yet to find an avenue that would allow him to re-enter the public sphere successfully. His name remains controversial, and his association with misconduct allegations makes it difficult for major networks or platforms to welcome him back.
Some industry experts believe Lauer may attempt to launch an independent media project, such as a podcast or a digital news venture. However, whether he can regain public trust remains uncertain.
Public Perception of Matt Lauer in 2023
Public perception of Matt Lauer in 2023 remains largely negative. The #MeToo movement, which gained significant traction around the time of his scandal, has fundamentally changed the way people view figures accused of misconduct. While some individuals have expressed the belief that Lauer deserves a second chance, the majority of the public and media industry remain unwilling to support his return.
Despite his absence from mainstream media, Lauer’s name still generates discussion whenever issues of workplace misconduct and media accountability arise. Many see his case as a cautionary tale of power, privilege, and the consequences of unchecked behavior in high-profile industries.
Can Matt Lauer Ever Make a Comeback?
The question of whether Matt Lauer in 2023 can ever return to public life is complex. While some disgraced figures have successfully reinvented themselves, Lauer’s case is different due to the nature of the allegations against him.
Possible paths to redemption might include:
- A tell-all book in which he offers a full account of his actions and takes responsibility.
- Advocacy work, particularly in areas related to workplace ethics and reform.
- A shift to private consulting or media production behind the scenes.
However, each of these options comes with challenges, particularly given the ongoing distrust surrounding his name.
Conclusion
Matt Lauer in 2023 remains a controversial figure, with little indication that he will return to public life anytime soon. Since he departed from NBC, he has lived a quiet and reclusive life, making only minimal efforts to rehabilitate his image. While some believe in second chances, the weight of his past actions continues to overshadow any potential comeback.
The story of Matt Lauer serves as a reminder of the profound impact of accountability movements in modern media. His fall from grace was swift and dramatic, and as of 2023, he remains largely on the sidelines of public discourse. Whether he will ever find a way back remains an open question, but for now, Matt Lauer remains a cautionary tale of power, scandal, and the ever-changing landscape of media ethics.
