NBC host Willie Geist said that former “Today” host Matt Lauer is “reconnecting with his family” after he was fired from his job in November amid allegations of sexual misconduct.
Lauer was officially replaced by anchor Hoda Kotb last week.
Geist, the host of “Sunday Today,” added that Lauer is “as good as he can be.”
“He’s sort of reconnecting with his family and figuring everything out,” he said.
Lauer has remained out of the public eye since news of the scandal broke. Some NBC News personalities have spoken on his behalf.
On Twitter, users pilloried Kotb for the comments, pointing out that Lauer was fired for allegations of sexual assault.
Savannah Guthrie also recently spoke about him.
“Matt is really focused on his family, and I think that’s where his heart is and that’s where it should be,” Guthrie said. “We’ve kept in touch and we’ve all been reaching out, and, you know... I don’t think there’s anyone who would be more thrilled than Matt to see Hoda in this role. He adores Hoda and he knows how good she is and so I know that to be true.”
“As I am writing this I realize the depth of the damage and disappointment I have left behind at home and at NBC. 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. I regret that my shame is now shared by the people I cherish dearly,” he added.
