Matt Lauer’s Life After Scandal: A Quiet Withdrawal and a New Chapter

The once-gilded career of Matt Lauer, the beloved co-anchor of NBC’s Today show, came to a screeching halt in 2017 following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. The shockwaves from his firing reverberated throughout the television world, marking the end of a long and successful run on one of the most iconic morning shows in history. Now, nearly eight years after his exit, Lauer has remained largely out of the public eye, living a quieter life away from the media circus that once surrounded him. However, recent events have brought his name back into the headlines, raising questions about his future, his relationships, and his life after the scandal.

The Fallout: Accusations, Friendships, and His Public Withdrawal

The accusations that led to Matt Lauer’s firing from Today were both shocking and damning. Several women came forward, accusing Lauer of inappropriate sexual behavior and creating a toxic workplace environment. The allegations included claims of lewd comments, unwanted advances, and sexual harassment. The revelations were a part of the wider #MeToo movement, which had begun exposing abuse and misconduct within the entertainment and media industries.

Lauer’s reputation, once untouchable, crumbled almost overnight. Colleagues who had once praised his work and camaraderie began distancing themselves, and the public’s perception of him shifted dramatically. Some former colleagues, such as Katie Couric, admitted to severing ties with him after the allegations came to light, calling the situation a “betrayal” and acknowledging that they had never truly known the man behind the polished TV persona.

Fellow Today co-host Savannah Guthrie, who had shared the anchor desk with Lauer for years, initially expressed support for him but soon condemned his actions publicly. Although she initially tried to keep in touch with him after his firing, sources later claimed that she refused to be in the same room as him when they were both invited to an NBC producer’s wedding in 2023. The event marked the first time Lauer had reunited with some of his former colleagues, including Guthrie, though reports indicated there was no sign of tension during the reunion.

As Lauer faced the consequences of his actions, he also faced a personal fallout. His marriage to model Annette Roque, which had already been strained, ended in divorce in 2019. Their relationship had been publicly rocked by the allegations, and Roque left the United States for a time, eventually returning to the family home in the Hamptons to raise their children. Despite their divorce, sources suggest that the couple has managed to maintain a focus on their shared responsibilities as parents, with Lauer spending significant time with their children, Thijs, Romy, and Jack.

Lauer’s Quiet Life Today

Since his firing, Matt Lauer has largely stayed out of the public eye. Few sightings of him have made headlines, with the former TV personality taking a significant step back from his once-vibrant celebrity life. In December 2023, he was spotted in The Hamptons, shopping while wearing casual attire, a far cry from his former polished, public image.

Sources report that Lauer is now living a “very quiet lifestyle,” enjoying time on his boat, spending time with family, and working on personal projects. His friend and former Today co-anchor Bryant Gumbel has shared that Lauer “misses being in the mix” at times, but doesn’t appear eager to return to television. “I think he’s enjoying his kids and his life now. When I talked to him last, he was heading out on his boat,” Gumbel said during an interview at a benefit event in 2024. It seems clear that Lauer is content with his current private life, even if the public is still curious about his future.

The Question of a Comeback

While Lauer’s public life has been largely silent since his firing, there has been speculation about whether he might consider a return to the spotlight. Some media outlets have reported that Lauer is quietly considering reentering the public eye. However, Gumbel, one of Lauer’s few remaining close friends, expressed skepticism about this possibility, stating that Lauer is enjoying his life outside the glare of the media. “I don’t think he misses being on television,” Gumbel remarked. “He’s got a lot on his plate right now.”

Whether Lauer will make a comeback to television or pursue other ventures remains unclear, but it seems that his time in the public sphere, especially in the capacity of a network anchor, is likely behind him.

Lauer’s Personal Life: Moving Forward with Shamin Abas

Since his divorce from Annette Roque, Lauer has been dating Shamin Abas, a publicist who works in marketing and events in New York. The two reportedly began their relationship in 2019, not long after Lauer’s marriage ended. Abas has been a private figure, but she has been seen accompanying Lauer to various social events and has become a key part of his life since the scandal. Their relationship has allowed Lauer to focus on rebuilding his personal life, away from the public eye.

While Lauer’s romance with Abas has not been as publicly scrutinized as his previous marriage, their relationship marks a new chapter for the former TV anchor. Sources close to Lauer have indicated that he is in a more positive, content place in his life, finding stability in his relationship with Abas and in his role as a father.

What’s Next for Matt Lauer?

The question of whether Matt Lauer will ever return to the media spotlight remains unanswered. After years of being one of the most well-known faces in television news, Lauer now seems focused on leading a quieter, more private life. While there has been speculation about a potential comeback, both Gumbel and Lauer’s own actions suggest that his time in the public sphere may be over for good.

As Lauer continues to navigate life after his firing, the media world remains curious about what his next move will be. Will he continue his quiet life, or will the allure of the spotlight bring him back into the public eye? Fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see if Lauer ever reappears in the media, and whether his comeback, if it happens, can overcome the scandal that defined his exit from Today.

A Lasting Legacy: Matt Lauer’s Impact and the Aftermath

While Lauer’s fall from grace was sudden and dramatic, it’s clear that his legacy in television news will not be easily forgotten. As the former anchor of Today, Lauer was a familiar and trusted figure in the homes of millions of viewers. His interviews, which ranged from lighthearted celebrity chats to hard-hitting political discussions, made him a key figure in American broadcast journalism for over two decades.

The #MeToo movement and the subsequent revelations about Lauer’s behavior left an indelible mark on his career. But the scandal also serves as a larger reminder of the evolving nature of workplace culture and the need for accountability in media. While the full impact of his actions continues to be debated, the personal toll that Lauer’s actions took on those involved—both women and the broader TV community—remains undeniable.

As Lauer continues his quiet life, the questions surrounding his legacy will persist. For now, it seems that his days on the screen are behind him, but his journey toward redemption—if he chooses to pursue it—will continue to be watched closely by both fans and critics alike.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Lauer

Matt Lauer’s post-scandal life has been marked by personal growth, reflection, and a shift away from the public eye. As he enjoys a quieter life with Shamin Abas and focuses on his family, it remains to be seen whether he will reenter the media world or continue to embrace his new, low-profile lifestyle. However, one thing is clear: the scandal that changed the trajectory of his career has not defined him in totality. As Lauer moves forward, the world will be watching to see what comes next for this former broadcast giant.