Before Matt Lauer's dismissal from NBC amid a storm of sexual misconduct allegations, the Today show anchor was known and respected as one of the network's top interviewers. However, not every interview went smoothly. Some crashed and burned live on air, others sparked immediate controversy, and a few only gained notoriety after his downfall. Now, at 60 years old and out of a job after decades in the industry, Matt is eyeing a potential comeback. Let's dive into some of his most cringe-worthy interviews over the years.
According to sources, Matt believes that if he waits out the current news cycle, the controversy will fade, allowing him to stage a triumphant return to television. “He has seen a lot of people come back and hopes he will too,” says a source. While his friends think this might not be realistic, his team has considered a public apology but decided that stepping back for now might be the best strategy. As Matt plans his return, let's take a look back at some of his most infamous interviews.
Matt on Today. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
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2005: Matt's Skeptical Stance on Bill Cosby's Accuser
In 2005, long before the flood of sexual assault allegations against Bill Cosby, Matt Lauer interviewed Tamara Green, one of Cosby's earliest accusers. The questions Matt asked were uncomfortable, to say the least. Phrases like “Why didn’t you call the police after the medication wore off?” and “What about a week later, what about days later?” seemed to shift the blame onto Tamara. Later, Tamara addressed Matt's apparent skepticism, telling Newsweek, “If you keep your pants on and keep your hands to yourself, this won’t happen to you.” Her response highlighted the problematic nature of Matt's questioning and the way it could discourage victims from coming forward.
2005: The Tom Cruise Scientology Clash
Back in 2005, Tom Cruise appeared on the Today show to promote his movie War of the Worlds. However, the conversation quickly veered into a heated debate about psychiatry and prescription drugs versus Scientology. Tom passionately defended Scientology, saying things like, “You don’t know the history of psychiatry; I do,” and “Matt, Matt, Matt, you don’t even… you’re glib!” The exchange was intense and memorable, showcasing a clash of worldviews.
