Matt Lauer is at the center of a major sexual misconduct scandal and has been consequently fired by his long-time employer, NBC. The story was announced at the top of this morning’s live episode of The Today Show by Lauer’s co-anchors Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb. Guthrie read, on-air, an official statement released by NBC executive Andy Lack, which said, “On Monday night, we received a detailed complaint from a colleague about inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace by Matt Lauer. It represented, after serious review, a clear violation of our company’s standards. As a result, we’ve decided to terminate his employment. While it is the first complaint about his behavior in the over twenty years he’s been at NBC News, we were also presented with reason to believe this may not have been an isolated incident.”
As the news of Lauer’s allegedly inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace continues to spread, many wonder how his family is dealing with their father’s very public scandal. According to Page Six, one of Lauer’s first orders of business upon being fired was to drive out to his son Jack’s prep school and explain the scandal to him in person. A source revealed, “Matt’s first thought was that he needed to explain this to his son Jack in person, as it would be far more painful for him to read about it in the press and online. Matt drove out to Jack’s prep school this morning.” Get to know more about Lauer’s family, particularly his oldest son, 15-year-old Jack Matthew Lauer in our 5 Fast Facts below.
1. Matt Lauer’s First Attempt to Talk to Jack About Sex Failed
Matt Lauer on having ‘the talk’ with his teen son: ‘It was a complete fail’ t.co/GDGozfZ4zQ
This past Spring 2017, Lauer stated on the Today Show that he tried to have a “sex talk” with his 15-year-old son Jack, but it didn’t work out well at first. Lauer recalled, “With my oldest son, I tried to have ‘the talk’ in the car.’ I don’t remember exactly what prompted it, but (my wife) Annette and I talked about it that I needed to have the talk. So I had this car ride and … I said, ‘Jack, you know, I do have to…’ and he looked at me and said ‘Not happening. I’m not gonna have this talk. I know, I know everything, you don’t have to do that.'”
2. Lauer and Wife Annette Roque Made the Decision to Keep Their Children’s Lives Private
GettyNBC Today Show anchor Matt Lauer and his wife, UNICEF Ambassador Annette Roque Lauer attend the 2nd Annual Snowflake Ball at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel on November 28, 2005 in New York City.
There are not many photos of Lauer’s children in the media and Lauer has stated he and his wife Roque have always tried to keep their kids out of the spotlight. According to Page Six, Roque lives full time in the Hamptons with their children, while Lauer stays in the city during the week. When Roque was pregnant with their other son, Thijs, in 2006, she filed for divorce from Lauer, but the couple got back together just weeks later. At the time, Roque said that she endured “cruel and inhumane treatment” from Lauer and claimed Lauer was hostile and exuded extreme anger in their relationship, as reported by In Touch Weekly.
3. Jack and His Father Have Been Seen Together at Sporting Events
Matt Lauer and Look-Alike Son Jack Cheer New York Rangers to Victory,Read More:t.co/jNHvuJXCr2
Lauer and his kids have been spotted together, in VIP seats at different sporting events over the years. Son Jack is the most seen with Lauer and the two are sometimes photographed in floor seats at games for the New York Knicks.
4. Lauer Has Admitted That His Kids Aren’t Always Comfortable With His Fame
GettyMatt Lauer attends the 73rd Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 10, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California.
In a Facebook chat via Today, Lauer revealed that his kids aren’t that keen on him being famous, unless he’s interviewing a big celebrity. Lauer admitted, “To be honest, I’m not famous at home. I’m just Papa. But when they get a taste of it out in public, I think it bothers them a little bit.” He then said that, “During the summer concert series, if they have a favorite singer performing, they tend to sneak in and mix with the fans … I’m lucky because I actually get to interview most of the people my kids become obsessed with. I was a very popular dad when Ariana Grande was on the show last summer.”
5. In the Past, Lauer Has Said His Busy Schedule Sometimes Keeps Him From His Kids
Matt Lauer with kids in tow
Lauer said that on the weekends, he enjoys going to lunches and dinners with his family and children. He also revealed to Today that he sometimes struggles with balancing his home and professional life. Lauer explained, “It’s a challenge for me just as it’s challenging for everyone else. There are times when the schedule of this job interferes with things I want to be a part of at home. I have understanding bosses who let me take time for family events when I need it.”
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Jack Lauer, Matt Lauer’s Oldest Son: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know