Fallen Star: Matt Lauer's Plot for an Unlikely Comeback
SHOCKING COMEBACK: Matt Lauer, The TV Icon Who Fell From Grace, Is Plotting a Comeback from the Depths of Obscurity
It's been seven years since America witnessed one of the most stunning TV scandals in decades - the downfall of Matt Lauer, the NBC Today co-anchor who had it all. With his chiseled good looks, charming personality, and effortless wit, Lauer was the ultimate television icon. But behind closed doors, a dark secret was lurking, waiting to destroy his glittering career.
On November 29, 2017, Guthrie and Hoda Kotb, the Today co-hosts, delivered the bombshell that would shake the very foundations of NBC News. Lauer, one of America's highest-paid journalists, had been fired after a detailed complaint from a colleague about "inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace." The allegations poured in like a tidal wave - more women came forward, accusing Lauer of misconduct during NBC's coverage of the 2017 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
The fallout was swift and merciless. Lauer's tenure at NBC was over, his reputation in tatters. But now, sources close to the former broadcaster reveal that he is secretly plotting a comeback - a move that will raise eyebrows across the media landscape.
Lauer, 67, has been laying the groundwork for his return, reconnecting with old friends and networking with former colleagues to see who can help him find a new gig. "Matt has been reconnecting with old friends, and it's not by accident," a source close to Lauer told The Scholarly Note. "He believes he was unfairly treated and feels he still has something to say, something to offer - he's just been waiting for the right moment."
Despite his attempts to move on from the scandal, Lauer's appearances have been strategically orchestrated. In late 2023, he was spotted attending a wedding with Guthrie and Kotb, seemingly the first time the trio had been in the same room since his dramatic fall from grace. He later reappeared at CNN anchor Don Lemon's April 2024 wedding.
But it seems Lauer is not just socializing for old times' sake; he has been quietly texting friends in the business, asking if they have any hookups for new gigs. "Matt has always been a networker," says a former Today colleague who claims to be among those Lauer has texted. "He kept in touch with people because it's good journalistic practice. So he's doing the same thing now - networking with people who might be able to help him."
Lauer's personal life has also rebounded from the scandal. He finalized his divorce from Annette Roque in 2019, ending a 20-year marriage that reportedly cost him millions. But Lauer retained ownership of his sprawling $36 million Sag Harbor estate and other real estate holdings, including a $7 million Manhattan apartment and a smaller $17 million home outside of the city.
He now lives in relative seclusion on Long Island with girlfriend Shamin Abas, a British-born luxury PR executive. Lauer has occasionally been spotted paddleboarding or grabbing coffee at upscale cafes on Long Island. He's also spent extended periods on his expansive New Zealand farm.
Despite the turmoil, Lauer remains close to his three children - Jack, 24, Romy, 21, and Thijs, 18. "They are his top priority," said a friend. "He's worked hard to be present and rebuild trust."
But will his former friends and colleagues be able - and willing - to help Lauer rebound professionally? Earlier this year, Lemon said it was time for Lauer to make his return. Speaking to The Hollywood Raw podcast, Lemon categorized 2017 as "an era where people were just kind of getting canceled right and left." And he believes that the public still loves Lauer.
However, not everyone is so forgiving. Katie Couric, Lauer's co-anchor, has condemned him for his sexual misconduct and said that their friendship couldn't continue. "So many of us were blindsided, never imagining that a dashing, witty, beloved TV star had such a dark side," Couric wrote in her memoir, Going There.
Whether Lauer successfully returns to television or remains a recluse in his Hamptons haven, one thing is certain: The once-untouchable anchor is no longer content with silence. "He still sees himself as a broadcaster," a source said. "He's just waiting for someone to give him a second shot."
The question on everyone's lips is - will anyone take the risk of giving Lauer a second chance? Can he truly redeem himself after the wreckage of his past mistakes? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Matt Lauer's story is far from over.
