Matt Lauer was a household name as the co-host of NBC’s Today Show for over two decades before he was fired in 2017 amidst allegations of sexual misconduct. Since then, he has kept a relatively low profile, with occasional updates about his life and financial status. In this article, we’ll look at Matt Lauer’s net worth in 2021 and how it has changed since he departed from the Today Show.
Early Life and Career
Matt Lauer was born in New York City on December 30, 1957. He grew up in the upscale suburb of Greenwich, Connecticut, and attended Ohio University, where he studied communications. After graduation, Lauer worked as a producer for several local news stations before eventually landing a job as a reporter for the Today Show in 1991.
The Today Show Years
Matt Lauer’s time as co-host of the Today Show was incredibly lucrative for him. He reportedly earned a salary of $25 million per year at the height of his career, making him one of the highest-paid people in the television industry. In addition to his work on the Today Show, Lauer also hosted several other NBC specials and events, including Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Olympic Games.
Controversy and Firing
In November 2017, Matt Lauer was fired from the Today Show after NBC received a complaint from a colleague about inappropriate sexual behavior. Over the next few days, more allegations of sexual misconduct were made against Lauer, ultimately leading to his termination from the network. In a statement, NBC News Chairman Andrew Lack called Lauer’s behavior “appalling” and said it was a “clear violation” of the company’s standards.
Impact on Matt Lauer’s Net Worth
Lauer’s firing from the Today Show undoubtedly impacted his net worth significantly. While the amount of his severance package has not been made public, it has been reported that he was owed tens of millions of dollars from his contract with NBC. However, it’s unclear how much he could retain after his firing. In addition, Lauer sold his Hamptons estate for $44 million in 2019, which likely helped to offset some of his financial losses.
Current Net Worth
As of 2021, Matt Lauer’s net worth is estimated at around $80 million. While this is a significant amount of money by any measure, it represents a significant decrease from his peak earnings as co-host of the Today Show. Lauer has largely stayed out of the public eye since his firing, and it’s unclear if he plans to return to television or the media industry.
Lauer’s Divorce and Alimony Payments
In addition to the financial impact of his firing, Matt Lauer has also been dealing with the fallout from his divorce. Lauer and his wife, Annette Roque, separated in 2017, and their divorce was finalized in 2019. As part of the settlement, Lauer was required to pay Roque a reported $20 million and $7 million in real estate assets. In addition, he was required to pay $50,000 per month in child support for their three children.
Future Prospects
Given the controversy surrounding Matt Lauer’s firing, it’s unclear what his prospects in the media industry might be. While there have been rumors about potential comebacks, including a possible return to television, Lauer has not made any public statements about his plans. It’s worth noting that Lauer has been relatively active on social media, particularly on Twitter, where he has over 600,000 followers. However, it’s unclear if this is a sign that he’s looking to return to the public eye or simply a way to stay connected with his fans and followers.
Conclusion
Matt Lauer’s net worth has taken a significant hit since his firing from the Today Show in 2017. While he was once one of the highest-paid people in the television industry, his severance from NBC and his divorce settlement have taken a toll on his finances. As of 2021, his net worth is estimated to be around $80 million, which is still considerable but represents a significant decrease from his peak earnings. It remains to be seen if Lauer will return to the media industry or stay out of the public eye. Regardless, his legacy as a television personality will always be overshadowed by the controversy surrounding his firing and the allegations of sexual misconduct that led to it.