7 Shocking Realities Of Matt Lauer's Life Years After His NBC Firing

The name Matt Lauer was once synonymous with American morning television, but his career trajectory drastically changed in late 2017. On November 29, 2017, the veteran anchor of the Today Show was abruptly fired by NBC News following a detailed complaint of "inappropriate sexual behavior" from a colleague. This event marked one of the most high-profile downfalls of the #MeToo era, instantly transforming a beloved public figure into a disgraced former journalist. As of today, December 10, 2025, years after the scandal, Lauer has retreated from the public eye, yet his life is still the subject of intense curiosity and speculation, fueled by rumors of a media comeback and a 'revenge' tell-all book. His life now is a stark contrast to his two decades spent on the set of the Today Show, where he was one of the highest-paid figures in news. While he has largely maintained a quiet existence, recent reports confirm he is trying to reconnect with his former life and is still navigating the complex personal and professional fallout from his dismissal. The following is a deep dive into the seven most significant realities of Matt Lauer's life today.

The Complete Biography and Timeline of Matthew Todd Lauer

Matthew Todd Lauer was a dominant force in morning news for decades, anchoring the Today Show for 20 years. His career was characterized by high-profile interviews, global reporting, and a massive salary, making him one of the most recognizable faces in American media.

• Full Name: Matthew Todd Lauer
• Born: December 30, 1957 (currently 67 years old)
• Birthplace: New York City, New York, U.S.
• Education: Attended Ohio University (left four credits short of a degree in 1979)
• Early Career (1979–1992): Began in television as a producer in West Virginia, moving on to various local news and talk show roles across the East Coast.
• NBC News Career Timeline:
  • 1992: Joined NBC as a co-anchor of Today in New York.
  • 1994–1997: Served as the news anchor for the national Today Show.
  • 1997–2017: Served as the co-anchor of the Today Show, becoming one of the most powerful and highest-paid journalists in the industry.
• Marriages:
  • Nancy Alspaugh (m. 1981; div. 1989)
  • Annette Roque (m. 1998; div. 2019)
• Children: Three children with Annette Roque: Jack, Romy, and Thijs.
• The Downfall (November 29, 2017): Fired by NBC News after a complaint of "inappropriate sexual behavior" was received.

1. The Quiet, Reclusive Life in the Hamptons and New Zealand

Following his dramatic firing from NBC, Matt Lauer immediately retreated from the public spotlight, opting for a highly reclusive life. He is primarily based in the Hamptons, where he has drastically changed his social circle and maintains a very quiet lifestyle.

Lauer’s current life is centered around his family and his relationship with his new partner. He has been focused on co-parenting his three children, Jack, Romy, and Thijs, with his ex-wife, Annette Roque. The former couple finalized their divorce in 2019, but are committed to maintaining a civil relationship for the sake of their children.

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Beyond New York, one of Lauer's most significant assets—and retreats—is his 16,000-acre farm in Wanaka, on the South Island of New Zealand. Valued at over NZ$13 million (approximately $9.2 million USD), the property was a source of controversy due to New Zealand's overseas investment rules. Despite the public scrutiny following his scandal, he was ultimately allowed to keep the ranch. Sources indicate he "feels peace there, loves it, loves the country," and spends a considerable amount of time visiting the remote, scenic property.

2. His New Relationship with Shamin Abas

Since his separation and subsequent divorce from Annette Roque, Matt Lauer has been in a long-term relationship with public relations executive Shamin Abas. The relationship reportedly began around 2019, shortly after the end of his 21-year marriage.

Abas, who runs her own luxury brand marketing firm, is often seen with Lauer in the Hamptons, where they attend events and live a relatively low-key life together. The relationship is a key component of Lauer's post-NBC life, providing him with a new personal anchor away from the media frenzy that once defined his existence.

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3. The Persistent Rumors of a 'Revenge' Tell-All Memoir

One of the most persistent and explosive rumors surrounding Matt Lauer is his plan to write an explosive tell-all book. Referred to by some sources as a "revenge" memoir, the book is allegedly intended to "call people out" who he feels "betrayed him" during and after the Today Show scandal.

The speculation suggests Lauer is eager to tell his side of the story and settle old scores with former colleagues and network executives. This potential literary venture has sparked fear among some of his former associates, particularly as it could reignite the entire scandal and potentially damage the careers of others. Whether this tell-all will ever see the light of day remains a major question mark, but the possibility continues to circulate in media circles, highlighting his ongoing desire to re-enter the public conversation on his own terms.

4. The Unwavering Desire for a Media Comeback

Despite the severity of the allegations that led to his firing, sources close to Lauer suggest he has an "ongoing frustration" with his exile and is actively looking for a path back into the media arena. Reports from 2024 indicate he is seeking a return to television or the media industry in some capacity.

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This desire for a comeback is seen by some as a profound misreading of the current media landscape and the lasting impact of the #MeToo movement. However, Lauer's persistent interest in "getting back into" media suggests he may believe there is a way to rehabilitate his image or find a niche outside of mainstream broadcast news. The tell-all memoir, if published, would likely be the first step in this attempted media re-entry.

5. The Financial Security of an $80 Million Net Worth

Matt Lauer’s long and lucrative career at NBC ensured his financial stability, despite the abrupt termination of his contract. His net worth is widely estimated to be between $60 million and $80 million.

During his tenure at the Today Show, Lauer was one of the highest-paid journalists in the world, with a reported salary that reached up to $25 million per year in his final contract. This substantial wealth, accumulated over two decades, has allowed him to live a life of comfort and privacy since his firing. The sale of one of his major Hamptons properties, though he retains others, further consolidated his assets, ensuring he did not face the financial pressures that often accompany a career-ending scandal.

6. The Core Allegations That Ended His Career

The foundation of Lauer’s downfall was a detailed complaint filed by a former NBC employee regarding "inappropriate sexual behavior" that occurred during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. NBC News terminated his contract within 24 hours of receiving the complaint, stating they had found a breach of company standards.

The initial complaint led to a cascade of subsequent allegations from multiple women, detailing a pattern of alleged sexual misconduct in the workplace. These allegations included:

• The use of a button under his desk to lock his office door.
• Offering a colleague a sex toy with an explicit note.
• Alleged verbal harassment and exposing himself to colleagues.

The most severe accusation came later from former NBC News staffer Brooke Nevils, who alleged Lauer sexually assaulted her in his hotel room at the Sochi Olympics, an account detailed in Ronan Farrow’s book, Catch and Kill. Lauer has consistently and vehemently denied the rape allegation, acknowledging a consensual encounter but disputing the context and nature of the relationship.

7. Reconnecting with a Changed Social Circle

For a period after his firing, Matt Lauer was described as being isolated, not "really talking to anybody" from his past life. However, recent updates suggest he is actively "reconnecting" with a new, smaller circle of "old friends."

His current social life is a significant departure from the high-profile, celebrity-studded world of New York media. He is now reportedly focused on those who have remained loyal to him, a necessary step for anyone attempting to rebuild a personal life after such a public and devastating scandal. This shift in social dynamics underscores the lasting impact of his firing, forcing him to create a new, quieter reality away from the center of the media universe.