Matt Lauer was fired in November for “detailed complaint” about “inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace.” On Tuesday his permanent replacement was announced.
Hoda Kotb has been named co-anchor of the Today show, alongside Savannah Guthrie.
Guthrie and Kotb will now anchor the morning cast from 7 to 9 a.m. ET, with Al Roker and Carson Daly. Kotb will also continue hosting the 10 a.m. hour with Kathie Lee Gifford.
Guthrie replaces Matt Lauer who was accused of using his position to make sexual conquests even though he was recently married.
One of as many as eight accusers described how a newly married Lauer seduced her into sexual encounters in his dressing room, a bathroom, and his office when she was a 24-year-old production assistant.
Lauer admitted that some of the sexual misconduct allegations had merit.
In a statement following his ouster, he said that “there is enough truth in these stories to make me feel embarrassed and ashamed. I regret that my shame is now shared by the people I cherish dearly.”
Lauer, who is 60, was the most prominent star of morning television for his nearly 21-year run anchoring Today. Following Lauer’s departure, the Today show beat ABC’s Good Morning America which hasn’t happened for a while. The lead dropped to 48,000 viewers for the week ending Dec. 23 according to Nielsen.
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