Emotional Savannah drops bomb

SAVANNAH Guthrie delivered the news that Matt Lauer, her “Today” co-anchor for the past five years, was axed by NBC News over inappropriate sexual behavior.

“We just learned this moments ago,” a choked-up Guthrie said on the air after reading a statement from NBC News boss Andrew Lack that Lauer was let go.

“As I’m sure you can imagine, we are devastated, and we are still processing all of this,” she continued. “I will tell you, right now we do not know more than what I just shared with you.”

Guthrie was accompanied by Hoda Kotb, who normally cohosts the fourth hour of “Today” with Kathie Lee Gifford.

Both said they awoke to the news that Lauer, who had cohosted the show since 1997, was canned.

It was hard for them to reconcile the allegations against Lauer, their longtime friend and colleague.

“I’m heartbroken for Matt,” Guthrie continued. “He is my dear, dear friend and my partner. And he is beloved by many, many people here.

“And 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,” she said.

Al Roker also appeared noticeably disturbed during Wednesday’s broadcast. The veteran weatherman said he was “trying to process” the shocking news.

Megyn Kelly addressed the firing as she opened the third hour of “Today,” calling it a “sign of progress” that women have come forward about inappropriate behavior by high-powered men.

“When this happens what we don’t see is the pain on the faces of those who have the courage to come forward,” said Kelly, who previously accused Fox News chief Roger Ailes of sexual harassment when she was with the network.

“I am thinking of those women this morning and hoping they are OK.”

Lauer became the latest household name booted over allegations of misconduct. Fox News’ Bill O’Reilly, MSNBC’s Mark Halperin and CBS News’ Charlie Rose were all forced out of their jobs this year after allegations surfaced.