Matt Lauer releases statement after firing: 'There are no words to express my sorrow'

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The former "Today" show anchor faces allegations from multiple women, including an NBC employee. Video provided by Newsy Newslook

Matt Lauer, has released a statement following his firing for inappropriate behavior at work, announced Wednesday. 

Lauer, 59, co-anchored Today for 20 years and covered numerous topics including the Olympics and interviewed presidents.

His former Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, who also announced Lauer's termination, read the statement at the top of the NBC morning show Thursday.

"There are no words to express my sorrow and regret for the pain I have caused others by words and actions," Lauer said in his statement. "To the people I have hurt, I am truly sorry. As I am writing this I realize the depth of the damage and disappointment I have left behind at home and at NBC.

Regarding the allegations themselves, Lauer said, "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. I regret that my shame is now shared by the people I cherish dearly."

He continued, "Repairing the damage will take a lot of time and soul searching and I’m committed to beginning that effort.It is now my full-time job. The last two days have forced me to take a very hard look at my own troubling flaws. It’s been humbling. I am blessed to be surrounded by the people I love. I thank them for their patience and grace.”

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Reaction to the firing of Matt Lauer on the street at the 'Today' show. USA TODAY

In the memo sent by NBC News chairman Andy Lack notifying staff of Lauer's termination, he said the organization had only received one complaint against Lauer in his tenure but was "presented with reason to believe this may not have been an isolated incident."

Shortly after news of Lauer's firing broke, Variety published a report which focused on three women who identified themselves as victims of sexual harassment by Lauer.

Later Wednesday evening, The New York Times published a piece reporting that the network had received, at a minimum, two additional complaints, one from a former employee who said Lauer summoned her to his office and then had sex with her in 2001.

NBC reporter Stephanie Gosk confirmed on Today Thursday that NBC News had received additional complaints from two women alleging inappropriate sexual behavior from Lauer.

So far the accusers have not wished to be identified.

Contributing: Cara Kelly

More: Replacing Matt Lauer: Is the era of the big-name TV news anchor over?

More: Awkward Matt Lauer TV moments resurface in wake of firing

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Photos: Matt Lauer's time on 'Today'

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Matt Lauer has been fired from NBC for "inappropriate workplace behavior," the network announced on the 'Today' show Wednesday. Take a look back at Lauer's TV career, from the 'Today' show and beyond.  Nathan Congleton, NBC

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Lauer joined 'Today' as the news anchor in 1994. As widely anticipated, he was tapped to replace Bryant Gumbel, right, as co-anchor of the top-rated morning program in December 1996.  Richard Drew, AP

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Lauer succeed Gumble as the morning show's co-host on Jan. 6, 1997.  NBC via AP

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Matt Lauer and Katie Couric in 1997.  Ken Regan, NBC

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Lauer interviewed Hillary Rodham Clinton, then in her second term as first lady, on Jan. 27, 1998.  Associated Press

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In 2003, 'Tonight Show' host Jay Leno took Katie Couric's seat at the 'Today' anchor desk alongside Lauer, while she headed west to try her hand at late-night comedy.  David Atlas, NBC

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Lauer got into a heated debate with Tom Cruise, the world's most famous Scientologist, during a June 2005 interview when he broached the topic of the church's stance on psychiatry and antidepressants.  VIRGINIA SHERWOOD, Virginia Sherwood, NBC via AP

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Lauer was next to Couric on April 5, 2006, as she announced she would leave 'Today' for 'CBS Evening News,' where she became the first female solo network news anchor in history.  LISA BERG, AFP/Getty Images

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NBC unveiled Meredith Vieira as Couric's 'Today' replaement on the following day, April 6.  RICHARD DREW, AP

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Matt Lauer gives the ladies some room as 'Today' news anchor Ann Curry, right, plants on one outgoing host Katie Couric during her final show on May 31, 2006.  RICHARD DREW, AP

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Lauer with Britney Spears in 2006.  NBC News

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Lauer frequently tag-teamed with 'Today' weatherman Al Roker for the show's annual Halloween episode. In 2006, they adopted a 'Pirates of the Caribbean theme,' with Lauer dressed as Capt. Jack Sparrow and Roker as Davy Jones. They're joined her by Ann Curry, Meredith Vieira and Natalie Morales.  RICHARD DREW, AP

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In May 2007, Lauer scored an interview with Princes Harry, left, and William. Here, they walk the grounds of Clarence House, where the princes lived with their father Prince Charles in their teens and early 20s.  Jeff Overs, AP

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Having interviewed Prince William, Lauer was in a good position to play him during the show's 2011 royal wedding-themed Halloween episode. Ann Curry played Duchess Kate while Al Roker donned a ginger wig to play Prince Harry.  Peter Kramer, AP

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Joan Rivers air-kisses Matt Lauer during her 'Today' show appearance on May 11, 2009.  Richard Drew, AP

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Lauer suited up as Humpty Dumpty for a fairy-tale themed team Halloween costume in 2008. (From left: Ann Curry, Al Roker, Meredith Vieira, Matt Lauer, Hoda Kotb, Kathie Lee Gifford and Amy Robach)  RICHARD DREW, AP

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In 2009, Lauer and co-host Meredith Vieira dressed as 'Star Wars' siblings Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia for Halloween.  Richard Drew, AP

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Because NBC is the longtime home of the Olympics, Lauer got to participate in the torch relay ahead of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games. Here, he runs with the torch in in Burnaby, British Columbia, in February 2010.  DARRYL DYCK, AP

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Lauer interviews snowboarder Shaun White, one of the breakout athletes of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, hours after after his gold medal performance on the halfpipe.  Denny Gainer, USA TODAY

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Lauer interviews Drew Barrymore on the 'Today' show plaza on Aug. 31, 2010.  Peter Kramer, AP

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Lauer talks with Kanye West on the 'Today' show in 2010. The interview came five years after the rapper's infamous "George W. Bush doesn't care about black people" remarks during a telethon to raise money for victims of Hurricane Katrina.  Peter Kramer, NBC Universal, Inc.

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Lauer interviews first lady Michelle Obama in 2011.  Peter Kramer, AP

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Lauer rides comedian Jim Carrey after a segment of fathers who horse around with their kids on a 2011 'Today' show episode.  Peter Kramer, AP

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The 'Today' crew bade farewell to another host, this time Meredith Vieira, on June 8, 2011. Afterward, Ann Curry finally graduated to the anchor chair, which she held for less than a year.  Richard Drew, AP

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Lauer looks on as Ann Curry, who graduated to co-host following Meredith Vieira's departure in 2011, tearfully announces her own exit on June 28, 2012. Curry was largely blamed when 'Today' fell behind ABC's Good Morning America' in the ratings.  NBC

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Lauer poses with Pink onstage following her 'Today' performance in 2012.  Roger Kisby, Getty Images

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Lauer, left, wasn't afraid to go in drag on Halloween. Here, he channels Pamela Anderson alongside actual 'Baywatch' actress Carmen Electra and Willie Geist as David Hasselhoff in 2013.  Slaven Vlasic, Getty Images

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Lauer poses with 'Today' co-anchor Savannah Guthrie at the 2014 Golden Globe Awards.  Dan MacMedan, USA TODAY

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Lauer conducts a 2014 interview with Britain's One Direction in Orlando, Fla., the spiritual home of U.S. boy bands.  Gustavo Caballero, Getty Images

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Actor Charlie Sheen revealed his HIV-positive status to Lauer during a 2015 episode.  Peter Kramer, NBC

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Then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, left, is interviewed by Matt Lauer and Savannah Guthrie on 'Today' show in April 2016.  Richard Drew, AP

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Lauer speaks to Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton speaks during NBC News' national-defense-themed Commander-in-Chief Forum on Sept. 7, 2016.  Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

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In 2017, Lauer went in drag as Dolly Parton for what would be his final 'Today' Halloween episode, with Savannah Guthrie as Kenny Rogers.  Charles Sykes, Invision/AP

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Luckily for Lauer, he had the genuine article to consult on his Halloween costume.  Nathan Congleton, NBC

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Lauer hams it up with the 'Today' puppy, Charlie, dressed in Yankee pinstripes during the 2017 baseball playoffs.  Nathan Congleton, NBC

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Lauer discussed pedophilia in Hollywood with actor Corey Feldman on Oct. 30, 2017.  NBC, NBC/NBCU Photo Bank

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Two weeks before his firing, Lauer interviewed former Vice President Joe Biden, who was promoting his book, 'Promise Me, Dad.' While in office, he was the Obama administration's point person on preventing sexual assault.  NBC, Nathan Congleton/NBC

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Lauer spoke often of his alma mater, Ohio University, visiting the campus on-air and delivering the commencement address after he finally finished his undergraduate degree in 1997. Lauer recently welcomed the school band, the Marching 110, to the 'Today' plaza on Nov. 22, the day before the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. "We've been hearing about this all week," co-host Savannah Guthrie told the band.  Nathan Congleton, NBC

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Lauer, captured behind the scenes on Nov. 21, 2017, was terminated on a week later after a single, detailed credible report of sexual misconduct, his first in 20 years as host of 'Today.' NBC News chairman Andy Lack said there was reason to believe it was not an isolated incident.  NBC, Nathan Congleton/NBC

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