Matt Lauer's ex-wife comes to his defense amidst sexual misconduct allegations: 'He would give you the shirt off his back if you really needed it'
- Matt Lauer's ex-wife Nancy Alspaugh defended Lauer amidst sexual misconduct allegations against him.
- Alspaugh said she was shocked to hear Lauer was fired, and sang his praises, calling him "selfless," "nice," and "charming."
- NBC fired Lauer from "Today" on Wednesday upon receiving a detailed complaint about him.
Matt Lauer's ex-wife Nancy Alspaugh has come to the former "Today" host's defense, calling him "incredibly nice, incredibly charming and incredibly willing to help anybody."
Alspaugh spoke to Entertainment Tonight about the recent allegations made against her ex-husband and said she was "shocked" when she heard NBC fired him. Alspaugh was married to Lauer from 1981 to 1988.
"I was shocked because he's been such a stalwart at that network and in that job," Alspaugh said. "He's been the best person that's ever held that job and I couldn't imagine that anything that he would have done - that would have been so out of character for him - that would have caused that reaction."
Alspaugh also said that she didn't believe "he would abuse his position in any way." She continued to point out that Lauer has contributed to her nonprofit and helped her after her husband died.
"The selfless, giving part of him, which people tend to forget whenever this kind of a situation comes up," Alspaugh said. "He would give you the shirt off his back if you really needed it. He did that for everybody. From the lowest person on set to, you know, the highest powers."
Alspaugh also expressed concern that reports of Lauer's accusations could damage his family.
"There are three children and that's, I think it's important to be aware that this can destroy a family. Reporting on accusations before they know whether they're real or not."
Lauer, who hosted "Today" for two decades, was fired by NBC Wednesday due to "inappropriate sexual behavior," according to the network.
A report published by Variety Wednesday detailed a number of allegations made against Lauer. According to Variety, dozens of current and former "Today" employees were interviewed during their two-month long investigation into Lauer.
One female employee said Lauer gifted her with a sex toy, along with a note about how he wanted to use it on her. The report also said that Lauer exposed himself to another female employee after asking her into his office, and then scolding her for not engaging in a sexual act.
Lauer shared a statement regarding the allegations on Twitter Thursday.
"There are no words to express my sorrow and regret for the pain I have caused others by words and actions," Lauer said.
Lauer said that some of the allegations are "untrue or mischaracterized," but enough of the allegations are true enough to make him feel "embarrassed and ashamed." He did not specify which allegations were true and which were not.
You can read Lauer's full statement here:
Lauer did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment.