Matt Lauer, once one of the most well-known and highest-paid television personalities in the United States, was a central figure in American media for decades. As the co-host of NBC’s Today Show, Lauer became synonymous with morning television. His career, however, took a dramatic turn in 2017 when he was ousted from the show following allegations of sexual misconduct. This event not only changed his public image but also impacted his financial standing. In this article, we will explore Matt Lauer’s net worth, the key factors that contributed to his wealth, and what has happened to his financial situation since his departure from Today.
Early Career And Rise to Fame
Matt Lauer was born on December 30, 1957, in New York City. He attended Ohio University and earned a degree in communications. His broadcasting career began in the 1970s when he started working at local news stations in West Virginia and New York. Over time, Lauer’s skills and on-air presence earned him jobs at major networks, including NBC.
Lauer’s real breakthrough came in 1997 when he joined Today as a news anchor. He quickly moved up the ranks and became the show’s co-anchor in 1998 alongside Katie Couric. Their chemistry on air helped propel Today to even greater success, solidifying Lauer’s place as one of the most prominent figures in television journalism.
Matt Lauer’s Wealth During His Peak
At the height of his career, Matt Lauer’s salary was astronomical. In 2012, it was reported that Lauer earned $25 million per year from his role as co-anchor of Today. His high salary was a reflection of his popularity and the success of the show, which dominated the morning news landscape for years.
Additionally, Lauer earned substantial income from other ventures, including book deals, endorsements, and speaking engagements. He signed a lucrative $100 million contract extension with NBC in 2012, which extended his tenure with the network for several years. His endorsement deals with companies like Dunkin’ Donuts and the various speaking fees he collected from events across the country only added to his earnings.
Lauer’s wealth also allowed him to invest in a number of properties. He was known for his extravagant real estate portfolio, which included a sprawling estate in the Hamptons, a Manhattan apartment, and homes in other prime locations. Reports suggested that the total value of his real estate holdings could reach tens of millions of dollars.
The Fall From Grace
In November 2017, Matt Lauer’s career took a dramatic and controversial turn. The veteran anchor was fired by NBC after accusations of sexual harassment from several women surfaced. The network stated that they had received a “detailed complaint from a colleague” about inappropriate behavior, which led to Lauer’s immediate termination.
The allegations quickly snowballed, with multiple women coming forward to accuse Lauer of misconduct. This not only tarnished his reputation but also resulted in significant financial repercussions. Lauer’s $25 million salary evaporated, and the fallout from his firing left him with a tarnished public image.
In addition to the emotional and professional toll, Lauer faced legal battles and the potential for a lawsuit. His departure from Today meant the end of his multi-million dollar salary, and any future employment in the public eye became uncertain.
Matt Lauer’s Financial Situation Post-Scandal
After his firing from NBC, Matt Lauer’s financial situation became a topic of public interest. Although he lost his television job, Lauer remained wealthy due to his previous earnings, investments, and assets. According to various reports, Lauer’s net worth following the scandal is estimated to be around $60 million, though it has been the subject of some debate.
The primary factors contributing to Lauer’s net worth include:
1. Real Estate Portfolio
Lauer has accumulated significant wealth through real estate investments. One of his most notable properties was a massive estate in the Hamptons, which was valued at around $36.5 million. He also owned properties in other prime locations, including an apartment in Manhattan. After his firing from Today, it was reported that Lauer sold the Hamptons property for a substantial sum, though it’s unclear how much of the original value he was able to recoup.
Real estate has proven to be a strong source of wealth for Lauer, even after his career in television came to an end.
2. NBC Severance Package
Despite being fired, Lauer was reportedly given a generous severance package by NBC, which included millions of dollars in exit pay. His contract had several years left, and while it was never publicly disclosed how much he received after his termination, it is believed that Lauer received at least $20 million from NBC. This severance package, combined with his previous salary, helped cushion the financial blow following his departure from the network.
3. Ongoing Royalties and Investments
Even after leaving Today, Lauer continued to earn money from previous deals, such as his book royalties and other investments. He had signed a multi-million-dollar contract for his book “The Morning Show”, which helped sustain his wealth. Additionally, it is believed that Lauer made significant investments during his career, contributing to his overall net worth.
4. Legal Settlements and Allegations
While Lauer has kept much of his financial dealings private since his departure from NBC, it is possible that he faced legal fees or settlements connected to the sexual misconduct allegations. If Lauer were required to settle any lawsuits, it could have impacted his wealth. However, no major lawsuits or settlements have been publicly reported, meaning he might have avoided significant financial penalties in this regard.
The Impact of His Scandal on His Net Worth
The allegations of sexual misconduct significantly impacted Matt Lauer’s career and public image, but they did not entirely drain his wealth. While he no longer commands a multi-million-dollar salary or endorsement deals, his investments, real estate, and prior earnings have allowed him to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
It’s also important to note that Lauer’s net worth is not just dependent on his salary. His wealth was largely accumulated through smart investments and real estate holdings, meaning that even after his professional downfall, Lauer remains financially secure.
However, Lauer’s ability to earn new income has been severely limited. His public persona has been permanently damaged by the allegations, and opportunities to return to broadcasting or public life appear slim. In addition, his past career may have alienated potential business partners or sponsors, leaving him with fewer sources of income.
Conclusion
Matt Lauer’s net worth is a reflection of his successful career, investments, and real estate ventures. At his peak, Lauer was earning tens of millions of dollars annually, making him one of the highest-paid personalities in television. However, his career was brought to an abrupt end in 2017 due to allegations of sexual misconduct. While this scandal hurt his public image and limited his future earning potential, Lauer’s prior wealth and smart investments have allowed him to maintain a net worth of approximately $60 million.
Though his career in broadcasting is likely over, Lauer’s financial situation remains relatively stable due to his assets and past earnings. His wealth, despite the scandal, is a testament to his financial acumen and long-standing success in the television industry.
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