US TV network NBC has sacked its star morning show host Matt Lauer over a sexual misconduct allegation.
On Twitter, the programme said: “On Monday night, we received a detailed complaint from a colleague about inappropriate sexual behaviour in the workplace by Matt Lauer.
“As a result, we’ve decided to terminate his employment.”
Lauer co-hosts The Today Show. NBC said it had “reason to believe this may not have been an isolated incident”.
The network said it was the first complaint about his behaviour in his time there – more than 20 years – but NBC News chairman Andy Lack said it represented a “clear violation of our company’s standards”.
It comes after CBS sacked Charlie Rose, one of its leading anchors, last week amid allegations of sexual misconduct. In April, Fox News sacked its best-known presenter, Bill O’Reilly.
Co-hosts ‘heartbroken’
In an emotional video posted on Twitter, Today co-hosts Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb said they were “heartbroken”.
“As I’m sure you can imagine we are devastated and are still processing all of this,” Guthrie said.
“I’m heartbroken for Matt – he is my dear, dear friend and my partner and he has been loved by many people here.
“And I’m heartbroken for the brave colleague who came forward to tell her story and any other women who have their own stories to tell.”
She added: “This reckoning that so many organisations have been going through is important, it’s long overdue and it must result in workplaces where all women – all people – feel safe and respected.”
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