Matt Lauer responds to sexual harassment allegations

Matt Lauer issued a statement following sexual harassment allegations.
(Image credit: Getty Images)

NBC's Matt Lauer has made his first public comments since his termination from the network on Wednesday over inappropriate sexual behavior, CNN reports. "There are no words to express my sorrow and regret for the pain I have caused others by words and actions," said Lauer, who was accused of gifting a colleague a sex toy, "inappropriate" sexual conduct at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, and having a button under his desk that could lock his office door, amongst other allegations.

Lauer added: "Some of what is being said about me is untrue or mischaracterized, but there is enough truth in these stories to make me feel embarrassed and ashamed. I regret that my shame is now shared by the people I cherish dearly." And while "repairing the damage will take a lot of time and soul searching," Lauer said "it is now my full time job."

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Jeva Lange

Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.