It's been three months since Matt Lauer was let go from NBC's Today show following serious sexual misconduct allegations. His former co-host, Katie Couric, recently shared her thoughts on where she hopes Matt is in this moment of reflection. Speaking at TheWrap's Power Women Breakfast in Austin on March 11, Katie, now 61, revealed that she was genuinely caught off guard by the accusations against him. “I hope he's taking the time to really examine his actions, understand why they were wrong, and figure out how he can move forward,” she told the all-female audience. “Honestly, it's been shocking, disturbing, disorienting, and deeply disheartening—pretty much every word that starts with a 'd.'”

Katie Couric Reflects on Matt Lauer's Fall from Grace

At the heart of the conversation, Katie didn't shy away from addressing the elephant in the room. She acknowledged that Matt's behavior wasn't an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern seen across various industries. “Let's be real here—Matt isn't the only one who's acted this way,” she said. “Unfortunately, there are people everywhere who have exploited their power in ways that are not only unacceptable but also deeply harmful. It's a problem that extends far beyond one individual.”

Katie's Personal Experience with Workplace Challenges

Despite her success, Katie admitted that she hasn't been immune to the challenges faced by women in the workplace. However, she considered herself fortunate in many ways. “This experience has been eye-opening for me because, honestly, I never encountered this kind of treatment,” she reflected. “I think part of the reason might be that I was put into positions of power early in my career. That said, I fully recognize that I could have been in a different situation. It's a privilege I don't take lightly.”

Read also:
John Wayne The Man The Myth The Mentor

Katie's Support for Her Former Co-Hosts

When Matt was fired, Katie was clear about her stance. She told People magazine that the situation had been incredibly painful for her. “The stories I’ve read and heard have left me disturbed, distressed, and disoriented,” she explained. “It’s utterly unacceptable that any woman at the Today show—or anywhere else, for that matter—had to endure this kind of treatment.” She also praised co-hosts Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb for their resilience during such a tumultuous period. “They’ve handled everything with grace and strength,” she added.

Meanwhile, Matt has denied the allegations against him and is currently going through a divorce from his wife, Annette Roque. According to a source, Annette made the difficult decision to leave after years of struggling with their relationship. “Seeing her family and friends convinced her that she’d be better off without him,” the source revealed. “She’s been through so much—nights of crying herself to sleep and even trying to leave him years ago—but this was still one of the hardest choices she’s ever had to make.”