Matt Lauer Responds To Sexual Misconduct Allegations

NBC fired Matt Lauer Wednesday morning after allegations of sexual misconduct. Now, the morning news anchor has responded to the accusations.

"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," Lauer said in a statement obtained by ABC News early Thursday.

"As I am writing this, I realize 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 mischaracterized, 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."

"Repairing the damage will take a lot of time and soul-searching, and I’m committed to beginning that effort. It is now my full-time job. The last two days have forced me to take a very hard look at my own troubling flaws. It’s been humbling. I am blessed to be surrounded by people I love. I thank them for their patience and grace," he added.

NBC News chairman Andrew Lack sent an email to the staff about Lauer’s termination early Wednesday morning. It was revealed that a colleague submitted a “detailed complaint” about Lauer’s alleged inappropriate behavior Monday night. After investigating the claims, the network decided to fire him.

“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 20 years he’s been at NBC News, we were also presented with reason to believe this may not have been an isolated incident,” Lack wrote.

The news was discussed on “Today” by Lauer’s co-host Savannah Guthrie, who was still in shock about the news. “For the moment, all we can say is we are heartbroken,” Guthrie told viewers. “I’m heartbroken for Matt. He is my dear, dear friend, and my partner and he is beloved by many, many people here. I’m heartbroken for the brave colleague who came forward to tell her story and any other women who have their own stories to tell.

“We are grappling with a dilemma that so many people have faced these past few weeks: How do you reconcile your love for someone with the revelation that they have behaved badly?” she added.

Lauer was named a co-host of “Today” in January 1997. The popular personality signed a deal in 2016 to stay with NBC through 2018. The contract was rumored to be worth $20 million. His replacement has not been named yet.

Though NBC said it was this was the first complaint their received against Lauer, Variety reports that there are more women who are accusing the newscaster of misconduct. The outlet spoke to at least three women who shared stories of inappropriate behavior.

The victims, who remain anonymous, described Lauer’s behavior in detail. They allege that he bought sex toys as gifts for co-workers, made lewd comments both in person and via text message and would ask them details about their sex lives. He is accused of dropping his pants in his office and asking a co-worker to engage in a sex act and reprimanding her for turning him down. The report also says that Lauer had a button under his desk that would lock his office door without him having to get up.

Lauer, who is married to Annette Roque, reportedly used the Olympics to harass co-workers. According to several current and former employees, Lauer would often focus on young women on his team during the trips. The complaint that got him fired stemmed from the Sochi Winter Olympics in 2014.