Matt Lauer, the former NBC “Today” show anchor who was fired in 2017 over allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior, is reportedly exploring a return to the media industry eight years after his career came to an abrupt end.
The 67-year-old broadcaster wants to get back into the media arena in some capacity, if not television, according to sources who spoke with People magazine. The insider revealed that Lauer has talked to some people about the possibility of returning to professional life.
Lauer was dismissed from NBC in November 2017 after the network received a detailed complaint from a colleague about his behavior. The network had reason to believe the incident was not isolated. Former NBC employee Brooke Nevils later alleged that Lauer raped her at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, though the former anchor has maintained that the encounter was consensual. Multiple women subsequently came forward with allegations against him, including reports of accusations of sexting female NBC staffers.
Following his termination, Lauer issued a public apology but emphasized that some of the accusations were untrue. “There are no words to express my sorrow and regret for the pain I have caused others by words and actions,” he stated in a 2017 statement read on-air by his former colleagues. “To the people I have hurt, I am truly sorry. 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.”
The disgraced television personality has spent the years since his firing living a quiet life in the Hamptons, focusing primarily on being a good father to his three children. He shares son Jack, 24, daughter Romy, 22, and son Thijs, 18, with ex-wife Annette Roque. The couple finalized their divorce in September 2019, two years after the scandal broke.
Despite his low profile, sources indicate that Lauer remains angry about the way he was treated by the industry and by people he thought were his friends who turned their backs on him. The situation has led him to reportedly ice out many old friends, according to reports, with his social circle drastically changing in recent years.
Lauer has been dating Shamin Abas, a public relations and marketing professional, since 2019. Their relationship is reportedly going strong, with the couple maintaining a serious but independent dynamic.
The former anchor has made significant changes to his real estate portfolio since leaving NBC. He reportedly sold his Hamptons estate in 2022, which had reportedly been listed for $43.99 million. He also reportedly sold a Manhattan apartment for over $7 million. However, he maintains property in New Zealand, where he purchased a 16,000-acre farm called Hunter Valley Station for a reported $9.2 million. The property serves as a retreat where he reportedly finds peace.
Among the few friendships that have endured is his relationship with former “Today” host Bryant Gumbel. The two reportedly talk regularly, with Gumbel providing encouragement and support as Lauer navigates his post-scandal life.
Earlier in 2025, former CNN journalist Don Lemon reportedly predicted that Lauer would make a comeback to the news industry. Lemon’s comments came as speculation about the former anchor’s future plans continued to circulate in media circles.
The path back to mainstream media for Lauer would be complicated. His case represents one of the most prominent examples of the media reckoning that emerged during the broader cultural conversation about workplace misconduct. Sexual harassment allegations in the workplace have led to significant career consequences for numerous public figures, and the broadcasting industry in particular has seen major changes in how such complaints are handled.
For someone attempting to return to the public eye after such serious allegations, the challenges are substantial. Advertisers and networks typically exercise caution when considering associations with controversial figures, and audience reactions can be unpredictable. Other media personalities who have faced similar situations have found varying degrees of success in their comeback attempts, with some launching independent ventures rather than returning to traditional network television.
The broadcasting landscape has also evolved significantly since Lauer’s departure. Digital platforms, podcasts, and streaming services have created new opportunities for content creators outside the traditional television model. These alternative media formats have allowed some individuals to rebuild careers on their own terms, though success is far from guaranteed.
According to sources, Lauer continues to spend considerable time with his children and remains focused on his role as a father. His current lifestyle stands in stark contrast to his years as one of television’s highest-profile morning show hosts, when he was a fixture in American households and commanded one of the industry’s most prominent positions.
Whether any media organization or platform will provide Lauer with an opportunity to return remains unclear. The source who spoke with People indicated that while he has discussed possibilities with some individuals, no concrete plans have been announced. As the eighth anniversary of his firing passes, the question of whether the former anchor will successfully re-enter the media world continues to generate interest and speculation.
