Who Is Addie Collins? Matt Lauer Allegedly Had An Affair With ‘Today’ Staff
Addie Collins, a former production assistant for “Today,” recently revealed that she had an affair with Matt Lauer.
Collins, whose surname used to be Zinone, detailed an incident that happened between her and Lauer in 2000. The former “Today” host invited the 24-year-old production assistant to lunch, but instead of talking about their work, he allegedly hit on her.
Lauer just got married to Annette Roque at that time, and he was in his 40s. Collins said that she was initially flattered by Lauer’s praises, and they got into a month-long relationship with each other.
Since their rendezvous was kept as a secret, Lauer allegedly arranged for the two of them to meet daily in his dressing room.
Collins admitted that what happened between her and Lauer was consensual, but the former production assistant came forward with her story because it had similarities with the accounts of Lauer’s other victims.
The other women who accused Lauer of sexual assault and misconduct did not give the host the consent to make advances at them. But Collins stressed that the similarity had to do with someone in power bringing sex into the workplace.
Meanwhile, after leaving “Today,” Collins was asked by the National Enquirer about her connection with Lauer. When she told the host about it, Lauer’s initial reaction was to ask her if she told anyone. When Collins told him she didn’t tell anyone, Lauer allegedly ghosted her.
“I knew Matt was unfaithful to his wife, because he was unfaithful to her with me less than two years into his marriage. He did it so effortlessly, with ease, and he wasn’t particularly concerned with the risk,” she wrote.
After being accused of sexual assault and misconduct, reports swirled that Lauer’s marriage may soon be over. But a source told People recently that the host is trying to make amends with Roque.
“He is fighting to save the marriage. He doesn’t want a divorce. Both of them, their first thought is their children,” the source said.
A second insider told the same publication that Roque is angry at Lauer, and she has also taken off her wedding ring.
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