In a surprising and candid conversation, Don Lemon came to the defense of his longtime friend Matt Lauer, shedding light on the former TV host’s post-scandal life and his potential for a comeback in the digital age.
While appearing on the January 22 episode of the Hollywood Raw Podcast With Dax Holt and Adam Glyn, Lemon expressed optimism about Lauer’s future in media, despite the fallout from the sexual misconduct allegations that led to Lauer’s exit from NBC’s Today show in 2017. Lemon’s remarks have reignited discussions about redemption in the media industry and how public opinion contrasts with internal industry perceptions.
| Key Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Don Lemon defends Matt Lauer during Hollywood Raw Podcast appearance. |
| Date | January 22, 2025 |
| Podcast Hosts | Dax Holt and Adam Glyn |
| Don Lemon’s Perspective | Believes Matt Lauer could make a comeback, especially through digital platforms like podcasts. |
| Public Reaction to Lauer | Lemon says fans still show Lauer support in public, with many expressing nostalgia for his presence on TV. |
| Industry Barriers | Lemon suggests fear within media industry insiders is the main obstacle to Lauer’s return. |
| Lauer’s Allegations | Fired from NBC in 2017 after allegations of sexual misconduct; denies the accusations. |
| Potential Comeback Strategy | Digital platforms such as podcasting, where he can control the narrative and reach an audience. |
Public Support for Matt Lauer
During the podcast, Lemon, 58, shared that public sentiment toward Lauer, 67, has largely been positive in his experience. The former CNN anchor revealed that he has seen firsthand how people continue to embrace Lauer, despite his high-profile dismissal and the serious allegations that came to light in 2017.
“Whenever I see Matt out and about, or even with us, if we go out to dinner, my husband [Tim Malone] and I go out to dinner with him and his fiancée, people love him. Women love him,” Lemon explained. “They’re like, ‘Man, oh my God, can I get a picture? I love you. I miss you on television.’”
These observations, according to Lemon, suggest that the general public may be more forgiving and open to a Lauer comeback than those in the media industry who remain cautious about reengaging with him professionally.
Industry Concerns
Despite the warm reception Lauer receives from fans, Lemon noted that the entertainment industry itself remains a challenging landscape for his friend. “It’s the people inside the business who are afraid of,” Lemon stated. He believes that the reluctance of networks and media executives to reintroduce Lauer stems from concerns about public backlash and lingering questions about the allegations against him.
Lemon further emphasized that if the decision were left to the general public, Lauer might already have reestablished himself on television or another media platform. “I think the general public would accept — just me — would accept Matt back. And I think people would watch him, and I think the ratings would be great,” Lemon remarked.
A Path to Redemption?
One of Lemon’s key points was the potential for Lauer to leverage digital platforms for his return. He suggested that podcasting could provide Lauer with a space to connect with audiences directly, bypassing traditional media gatekeepers. “I think that if he could come back to digital, he can set his own course,” Lemon explained, adding that this approach would allow Lauer to rebuild his image on his own terms.
The idea of a digital comeback aligns with earlier reports. In April 2024, a source told Us Weekly that Lauer was “planning a comeback” and exploring new opportunities. At the time, the insider revealed, “He’s started to talk to people. He’s planning his next act, still very upset with how he was portrayed, and still feels like he was the victim.”
The Fallout of 2017
Lauer’s career took a dramatic turn in November 2017 when a female colleague accused him of sexual misconduct, leading to his immediate termination from NBC. The allegations against Lauer were part of a broader wave of high-profile accusations during the #MeToo movement.
In 2019, journalist Ronan Farrow published further details about the accusations in his book Catch and Kill, alleging that Lauer had committed sexual assault. Lauer has consistently denied the claims, but the scandal significantly damaged his reputation and career.
Mixed Reactions to Redemption
The prospect of a Lauer comeback has elicited mixed reactions. Some argue that individuals accused of serious misconduct should not be allowed to return to prominent positions in media, while others believe in the possibility of redemption and second chances.
Lemon’s comments reflect a broader debate about how society should treat individuals who have faced allegations of wrongdoing. While the public may be more inclined to offer forgiveness, the decision ultimately rests with the networks and platforms that would host such a comeback.
Matt Lauer’s Current Life
Since his departure from NBC, Lauer has largely stayed out of the public eye, focusing on his personal life. According to Lemon, Lauer’s interactions with fans have shown that many still admire and miss him.
However, Lauer himself has expressed frustration with how the allegations have shaped public perception of him. In 2019, he released a statement denying the accusations and criticizing the media’s handling of his case. More recently, he has reportedly been exploring ways to reclaim his narrative and reenter the public sphere.
Final Thoughts
Don Lemon’s defense of Matt Lauer underscores the complexity of navigating a post-scandal comeback in the media industry. While public sentiment appears to lean toward forgiveness, the internal dynamics of the industry remain a significant barrier.
As Lauer considers his next steps, digital platforms may provide the best opportunity for him to reconnect with audiences and rebuild his career. Whether he succeeds will depend not only on public reception but also on his ability to address the allegations and demonstrate accountability.
Matt Lauer: Net Worth, Biography, and Career Highlights
Matt Lauer, a former television host and journalist, remains a well-known name despite his career being derailed by controversy. While his professional trajectory has been marked by highs and lows, his financial status continues to be a point of interest for many.
Matt Lauer’s Net Worth
As of January 2025, Matt Lauer’s estimated net worth is $80 million. The bulk of his wealth stems from his long and lucrative career at NBC, where he was the host of the Today show for two decades. At the height of his career, Lauer was one of the highest-paid anchors in the U.S., earning a reported $25 million annually.
Key Details About Matt Lauer’s Net Worth:
| Category | Details |
| Peak Salary at NBC | $25 million annually |
| Primary Source of Income | Salary from hosting Today and other television appearances |
| Real Estate Investments | Lauer owns multiple properties, including a luxurious estate in the Hamptons valued at approximately $36.5 million. |
| Post-Career Income | Reduced earnings post-2017, but investments and residuals continue to contribute to his wealth. |
Matt Lauer Biography
Below is a detailed look at Matt Lauer’s life, including his career, personal details, and significant milestones:
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Matthew Todd Lauer |
| Date of Birth | December 30, 1957 |
| Place of Birth | New York City, New York, USA |
| Age | 67 (as of 2025) |
| Education | Attended Ohio University but left before completing his degree; later awarded a bachelor’s degree in 1997. |
| Career Start | Began as a producer at WOWK-TV in Huntington, West Virginia, in the late 1970s. |
| Major Career Milestone | Joined NBC’s Today show in 1994 and became its co-anchor in 1997. |
| Years at NBC | 1994–2017 |
| Awards | Multiple Emmy Awards and other accolades for his work in broadcast journalism. |
| Marital Status | Divorced (Annette Roque, 1998–2019); has three children. |
| Controversies | Fired from NBC in 2017 due to allegations of sexual misconduct. |
| Current Status | Out of the public eye, occasionally seen in private events and public outings with friends. |
Career Achievements
During his tenure at NBC, Matt Lauer became a household name and one of the most recognized faces in American morning television. Some of his career highlights include:
- The Today Show: Lauer co-anchored the program for over 20 years, interviewing world leaders, celebrities, and covering major news events.
- Special Projects: He hosted coverage for several Olympic Games, served as a moderator for presidential debates, and anchored high-profile news events such as 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina.
- Awards: Lauer’s work earned him multiple awards, including Daytime Emmys for Outstanding Morning Program.
Real Estate Portfolio
Lauer’s wealth is further underscored by his impressive real estate holdings. Among his most notable properties:
- Sag Harbor Estate: A stunning property in the Hamptons worth $36.5 million, which includes a 12-bedroom mansion, horse stables, and ocean views.
- New Zealand Farm: A lavish farm property he purchased for $9.2 million in 2017, though this purchase faced controversy due to local objections.
- New York Apartment: A luxury apartment in Manhattan, which he sold in the wake of the 2017 allegations.
Financial Challenges and Settlements
While Matt Lauer’s net worth remains substantial, he faced significant financial losses after his dismissal from NBC. Reports indicate that he negotiated a sizable settlement as part of his NBC exit, but the exact figures remain undisclosed. Additionally, his divorce from Annette Roque reportedly resulted in a multimillion-dollar settlement.
Philanthropy
Despite the controversies surrounding him, Lauer has a history of philanthropy. He has supported various charities and organizations, particularly those focusing on children’s welfare and education.
Public Perception and Future Prospects
Matt Lauer’s future remains uncertain as he continues to live a largely private life. With speculation about a possible comeback in digital media, Lauer could leverage his storytelling and broadcasting skills to reconnect with audiences.
However, his ability to reenter the public sphere will depend on addressing the lingering controversies and public sentiment surrounding his dismissal.
Disclaimer
The information presented in this article is based on publicly available sources and interviews. The views expressed by Don Lemon and others are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of this publication. Allegations mentioned are as reported, and any conclusions should be drawn based on verified facts.
