Lauer had become one of the most famous reporters in the world – in just over a decade. He was the face millions of people saw every morning when they turned on the television, and he was the one who broke the biggest stories. His professionalism, style, and work ethic had taken him far.
It was no surprise, then, that NBC offered to renew his contract in 2012. The contract ran through 2017, and while the details aren’t fully public, it’s believed that Lauer earned an amazing twenty-five million dollars a year. An incredible amount for what was an incredible reporter for NBC.
The Tom Cruise Interview
Matt Lauer faced controversy even long before this scandal. One incident in particular dates back to 2005, when he interviewed Tom Cruise. Lauer grilled Cruise on a number of topics including his devotion to Scientology, depression, and psychiatric medication.
Voices were raised, and insults were thrown, with Cruise calling Lauer “glib.” This interview soon made headlines, but not for the right reasons. Looking back, people say there were red flags that should have warned us of Lauer’s later behavior…
Major Names
Lauer isn't always argumentative. He's had plenty of very heartfelt and emotional meetings, both in the studio and outside. One of the most famous of these meetings was in 2007, when royal princes William and Harry spoke to Lauer about their later mother, Princess Diana. It was the tenth anniversary of her death, and the emotional interview swept across the world.
Talk about big names – the man spoke to royalty. It proved Lauer wasn't just a firecracker, and those who watched the interview found themselves getting emotional at the stories the brothers told about their mother.
Begin To Bubble
Millions were thrilled to hear that Lauer would continue his work. Whether it was the Today show, his interviews, or any of his other work, he was a star. However, not everything was perfect. During the summer of 2012, Lauer went with co-hosts Bob Costas and Meredith Vieria to cover the London Olympic Games, and his performance was less than stellar.
While providing commentary for the games, and it impressed no one in the states – but it was even worse from those in Europe. He was criticized as being “banal,” and even “ignorant.” Not things you want to hear about your big star.
Operation Bambi
This wasn't the only time Lauer found himself under the microscope. Just a year earlier in 2011, Today show co-anchor Ann Curry announced she would be leaving her role, a decision that came as a shock to a great many people. Why would such a talented and respected woman leave one of the top spots in the industry?
One where millions of people saw her smile and hung on her every word every day? Over the next few years, however, a name would come to light, one that signaled the beginning of the real problems for Lauer: Operation Bambi.