The show on Comcast Corp's NBC pulled in an
average of 4.9 million viewers for the week, well above its
typical audience of 4.1 million, and beat rival "Good Morning
America" on Walt Disney Co's ABC network. "GMA" attracted an
audience of 4.4 million.
"Today" co-anchors Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb announced
Lauer's firing during the "Today" broadcast on Wednesday.
Lauer was let go after a female colleague complained to NBC
officials about a pattern of inappropriate sexual behavior that
began while they were on assignment at the 2014 Sochi winter
Olympics in Russia, according to NBC statements on Wednesday.
On Thursday, Guthrie read a statement from Lauer on the air in
which he apologized for "troubling flaws." The "Today" show also
reported on Thursday that at least two more women have gone to
NBC with similar complaints against Lauer.
Lauer said in his statement that some of the accusations against
him were "untrue or mischaracterized," without explaining
further, but said that "there is enough truth in these stories
to make me feel embarrassed and ashamed."
Reuters could not independently confirm the allegations and no
further comment was available from Lauer's representatives.
(Reporting by Lisa Richwine; Editing by Alden Bentley)
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