Stronger Together
January 1, 2018 Weeks after Matt Lauer’s horrifying behavior gets him fired from Today, his co-stars are finally sharing their side of the story
In the wake of Matt Lauer’s horrific misconduct scandal, Today co-hosts Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie grow closer than ever.
Viewers and Today staff alike were shocked when anchors Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb delivered the news on Nov. 29 that co-worker Matt Lauer had been fired for “inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace.” “We are grappling with a dilemma that so many people have faced these past few weeks,” said a teary Savannah, referencing the #Metoo movement that started amid revolting sexual mis- conduct accusations by more than 80 women against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. “How do you reconcile your love for someone with the revelation that they have behaved badly?”
There was more surprising news to come. While industry watchers expected the NBC morning show’s ratings to plummet following 20-year veteran Matt’s abrupt departure, Today is actually performing far better than it has in years. With Savannah, 45, and Hoda, 53, at the helm, an average of 4.6 million viewers tuned in during the week of Dec. 4, beating out competitors Good Morning America and CBS This Morning for a second consecutive week — something Matt hadn’t been able to do in some time. It’s a credit to the chemistry and courage of the co-hosts who’ve thrived in the face of adversity. “Savannah and Hoda never thought that they would be this close, but they’ve actually bonded over Matt’s betrayal and departure,” an NBC insider exclusively tells Life & Style. “They’re still hurt, reeling over the details of Matt’s disgusting behavior. He had to go, and now
Savannah and Hoda are better friends because of it — and their show is doing better than it was before. Privately, they’re proud of the success.”
WORKPLACE AFTERMATH
Viewers aren’t the only ones