Matt Lauer apologizes but says some misconduct claims ‘untrue’

Fired NBC News anchor Matt Lauer issued an apology Thursday, the day after he lost his job because of workplace sexual misconduct allegations.

The former “Today” host’s statement was read on the air by the show’s Savannah Guthrie.

“There are no words to express my sorrow and regret for the pain I have caused others by words and actions. To the people I have hurt, I am truly sorry. As I am writing this I realize the depth of the damage and disappointment I have left behind at home and at NBC,” the statement read.

A statement from Matt Lauer: “There are no words to express my sorrow and regret for the pain I have caused others by words and actions…” pic.twitter.com/f93rHXqKQD

— TODAY (@TODAYshow) November 30, 2017

“”Some of what is being said about me is untrue or mischaracterized, but there is enough truth in these stories to make me feel embarrassed and ashamed.”

Lauer, 59, was abruptly fired Wednesday after earlier in the week, a woman told news executives that he had sexually harassed her.

In the memo announcing Lauer’s departure, NBC News President Andrew Lack said the original complaint detailed “inappropriate sexual behavior.”

Lack also said in the statement that the complaint was the first against Lauer in more than 20 years at NBC, but “we were also presented with reason to believe this may not have been an isolated incident.”

Since then, two more women have come forward with similar stories.

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