Today Show Staff ‘Outraged’ at Megyn Kelly’s ‘Insensitive’ Reaction to Matt Lauer’s Firing

Megyn Kelly walking with Matt Lauer
Josiah Kamau/BuzzFoto via Getty Images

Staffers at the Today show are outraged at Megyn Kelly’s reaction to Matt Lauer’s firing, claiming she made it all about her, instead of showing respect for his accusers.

“We work in an industry of egos, but this is the most opportunistic thing we’ve ever seen,” one staffer told the Daily Mail. “We now have the highest paid person at NBC News hosting one of the lowest rated shows, and rather than being humble, she takes the first opportunity to take the spotlight and make it all about her.”

The staffers, who were distraught over Lauer’s firing, said that Kelly, unlike the other hosts, did not show empathy for the staff and made a public statement about a situation she “truly had no knowledge of.”

Kelly told attendees at a Business Insider media event Wednesday evening that she did not have “official knowledge” of the allegations against Lauer but boasted about knowing that CBS journalist Charlie Rose’s alleged sexual misconduct would be exposed.

“I didn’t have any official knowledge but because of the work I do and the stories I cover and the connections I have in the industry, I have a general feel for – I knew the Charlie Rose thing was coming – and I’d heard rumors about Matt, but that’s all they were,” she said at the event.

Kelly added that Lauer’s firing was “a sign of progress.”

The staffers took the opportunity to criticize Kelly for her show’s ratings, which have steadily declined during the past few months since its premiere.

“No one wanted Megyn here, she was forced upon us and today reinforced why she will never be a member of the Today family,” one staffer said.

“And here’s something we’d like to say about her – she’s terrible on morning television, her show is terrible, her staff think she is terrible,” another staffer remarked.

NBC News fired Lauer Wednesday morning after receiving a complaint alleging that the former Today show host engaged in sexual misconduct at work.

The complaint alleges that Lauer engaged in sexual misconduct with the female colleague at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.

Lauer issued a statement Thursday saying he was “truly sorry.”

“There are no words to express my sorrow and regret for the pain I have caused others by words and actions. To the people I have hurt, I am truly sorry,” Lauer said. “As I am writing this I realize the depth of the damage and disappointment I have left behind at home and at NBC.”

COMMENTS

Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.