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Matt Lauer terminated from NBC News

Matt Lauer terminated from NBC News
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(RNN) - Matt Lauer, who has coanchored the "Today" show for 20 years, has been terminated from NBC News amid workplace sexual misconduct allegations.

NBC News chairman Andrew Lack said in a memo that it was the first complaint lodged against Lauer at the network, CNN reported. Lack also said, "we were also presented with reason to believe this may not have been an isolated incident." 

"Today" show cohost Savannah Guthrie announced the termination on air at the top of the show Wednesday morning. She said the "Today" crew was told moments before going on air. 

Hoda Kotb joined Guthrie as coanchor in Lauer's place.

Guthrie, with her voice cracking, said the crew was devastated to learn the news, and said she feels heartbroken for the brave colleague who came forward.

She also said they don't know anything more than the statement they were given.

Lauer's termination comes a week after CBS fired morning host Charlie Rose over sexual harassment complaints and as longtime Rep. John Conyers, D-MI, is reportedly being urged to resign amid sexual misconduct allegations by former staffers.

President Donald Trump weighed in on Lauer's firing on Twitter, using it as an opportunity to attack the media yet again. He called for the firing of top executives at NBC and Comcast "for putting out so much Fake News."

In his time at NBC News, Lauer interviewed such figures as President George W. Bush, President Barack Obama, Princes William and Harry and Tom Cruise.

He was known for reporting from remote locations in the popular “Where in the World is Matt Lauer?” segment.

Prior to joining NBC, Lauer worked as a host and anchor at a variety of news stations. He graduated from Ohio University.

Lauer and his wife, former model Annette Roque Lauer, have three children.

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