Lauer was spotted driving a Jeep out of his estate, handing Burke an envelope, and then getting back into his vehicle and driving home.
Burke specializes in real estate, negligence, and criminal law, according to the Mail.
On Thursday, Lauer’s statement was read on-air at the start of the “Today” program.
“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,” said Lauer. “The last two days have forced me to take a very hard look at my troubling flaws. It has been humbling.”
“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 ashamed,” he added. “I regret that my shame is now shared by the people I cherish dearly.”
He was fired after a female colleague complained to NBC officials on Monday evening 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, as Reuters reported
Since then, at least two more women have gone to NBC with similar complaints against Lauer, the “Today” show reported on Thursday. None of the women have been publicly identified.
NBC News Chairman Andrew Lack said the network had never received a complaint about Lauer’s conduct prior to Monday but that “we were also presented with reason to believe this may not have been an isolated incident.”
Lauer was promoted to a host of the “Today” show in 1997 and went on to become one of NBC’s highest-paid personalities, reportedly being paid $20 million a year. The network did not respond to questions about its plans for replacing Lauer.
Media analysts say his abrupt departure could send some viewers to morning-news rivals, at least in the short term. “Today” dominated the morning rating wars for much of Lauer’s tenure, but in 2012 was dethroned by “Good Morning America” on Walt Disney Co’s ABC network.
Comcast Corp, the largest U.S. cable television company, owns NBCUniversal.
And while you’re here …
We have a small favor to ask of you. If you can, please share this article on Facebook so you can help The Epoch Times. It takes less than a minute. Thank you very much!
Friends Read Free