Matt Lauer’s ex-wife has claimed the sexual misconduct allegations against him are ”so out of character for him”.
The 59-year-old presenter was recently fired from ‘Today’ after there was a ”detailed complaint by a colleague” – who accused Lauer of behaving inappropriately – which then prompted a string of other allegations made against him from current and former NBC staff.
But now, Nancy Alspaugh – who was married to the television host from 1981 to 1988 – has defended her former husband, stating that she ”couldn’t imagine” Lauer carrying out the kind of misconduct that he is alleged to have done.
She said: ”I was shocked because he’s been such a stalwart at that network and in that job. He’s been the best person that’s ever held that job and I couldn’t imagine that anything that he would have done – that would have been so out of character for him – that would have caused that reaction.”
Nancy branded her former spouse as a ”selfless” man, and even hit out at those who have placed claims against him, as she believes the allegations have the power to ”destroy [his] family”.
The screenwriter told ‘Entertainment Tonight’: ”That’s why it’s so shocking, I think, for the people that really know him and really love him and they want to get the good stuff out. I want to get out the fact that he made a contribution to my nonprofit, that he helped me when my husband died.
”The selfless, giving part of him, which people tend to forget whenever this kind of a situation comes up. He would give you the shirt off his back if you really needed it. He did that for everybody. From the lowest person on set to, you know, the highest powers.
”He’s just a very giving person and charming and I think a lot of this stuff is obviously going to come to light, whether it’s true or not, and some of the things that are being stated may not be true.
”We have to find that out, you know? As time goes on here, people should be aware there’s a family involved here. There are three children and that’s – I think it’s important to be aware that this can destroy a family. Reporting on accusations before they know whether they’re real or not.”
Meanwhile, Lauer recently released a statement in which he claimed he was ”truly sorry” for the ”pain” he has caused after he was accused of ”inappropriate sexual behaviour in the workplace”.
He said: ”There are no words to express my sorrow and regret for the pain I have caused others by words and actions. To the people I have hurt, I am truly sorry. As I am writing this I realise 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 mischaracterised, 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.”
It comes after Lauer was accused of exposing himself to a female co-worker and giving another a sex toy as a gift. One person claimed he had summoned her to his office then dropped his pants. When she declined to do anything, he reprimanded her for not engaging in a sexual act.
