Matt Lauer breaks his silence on sexual misconduct allegations: 'There are no words'

AP

• Fired NBC host Matt Lauer broke his silence on the allegations of sexual misconduct and apologized.
• He seemed to announce he would be stepping away from public life.
• Lauer disputed some of the claims about him, but did not specify which.

Former NBC host Matt Lauer responded to several allegations of sexual misconduct and his dismissal from the network on Thursday morning with a statement expressing "sorrow and regret."

"There are no words to express my sorrow and regret for the pain I have caused others by words and actions," Lauer's statement began.

Lauer, who was dismissed from NBC's "Today" show on Wednesday morning after more than two decades with the network, was the subject of a myriad of accusations on Wednesday.

Reports came out that he exposed himself, made lewd comments to women colleagues, and even had a device to lock women into his office.

"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 asamed," wrote Lauer, who did not specify which claims were true.

Lauer seemed to announce his retirement from public life, saying that "repairing the damage" from his deeds "is now my full time job."

"The last two days have forced me to take a very hard look at my own troubling flaws," said Lauer.

Read the full statement below: