NBC News is in the process of removing all memory of Matt Lauer from 30 Rock, destroying anything that bears his name and likeness.
‘Matt’s office is being completely demolished. Everything is going, including that button under his desk, his name plate, the photos of him in the hallways, the pictures of him online and on NBC News social media,’ an insider told the New York Post.
The button under Lauer’s desk allowed him to lock his office door. The source adds the NBC News family is ‘so sickened by his behavior it is almost like they want to pretend he never existed.
Meanwhile it has emerged that Willie Geist could be Lauer’s replacement. Geist currently hosts the ‘Sunday Today’ program.
Matt who? Lauer’s office (pictured) and its contents- including the button under his desk which he used to lock his door with- are being destroyed
Willie Geist is reportedly the front runner to replace Lauer after the disgraced anchor was fired from NBC on Wednesday
Geist, 42, spent five years as a co-anchor on the Today Show’s third hour and filled in for Lauer on occasion before sliding into the ‘Sunday Today’ seat.
Meanwhile, the exiled anchor has been sending personal apologies to his former colleagues in emails saying ‘I am truly sorry.’
The Today Show staffers are so outraged by Lauer’s alleged behavior- they simply can not find the words to respond, the insider adds.
As DailyMail.com reported, NBC will not be paying him through the remainder of his contract. His salary was ceased the day he was fired.
NBC News’ HR staff are working their way through a trove of his work emails to find more evidence to bolster the claims levied against Lauer.
Lauer was reportedly seeking a $30million payday. That news drew a strong response from executives at NBC on Friday.
Lauer will not be paid out on the rest of his contract as reportedly he may have violated a morals clause
It was also noted that Lauer could choose to sue the network in an attempt to receive additional pay, but they will not agree to hand over any money to the disgraced anchor
A source with knowledge of the situation confirmed to DailyMail.com that Lauer would not be receiving any payday or salary beyond his last day of work at the network.
That was first reported by CNN, who noted that Lauer’s morals clause likely allows NBC to withhold his salary.
It was also noted that Lauer could choose to sue the network in an attempt to receive additional pay, but they will not agree to hand over any money to the disgraced anchor.
Also on Friday, a memo sent to staff by NBC News Chairman Andy Lack revealed that an internal investigation as underway into the matter of Lauer’s ‘appalling behavior.’
‘A team of the most experienced NBCUniversal Legal and Human Resources leaders have begun a thorough and timely review of what happened and what we can do to build a culture of greater transparency, openness and respect for each other,’ read the memo.
‘At the conclusion of the review we will share what we’ve learned, no matter how painful, and act on it.’
The former NBC host was seen in a jeep as he drove out from behind the gates of his $33million estate on Thursday while still wearing his wedding ring.
Lauer was seen meeting his lawyer friend, Eddie Burke Jr, near his home in the Hamptons on Thursday after his spectacular firing
Also on Friday, a memo sent to staff by NBC News Chairman Andy Lack (above) revealed that an internal investigation as underway into the matter of Lauer’s ‘appalling behavior’
He headed into town where he met with his lawyer friend, Eddie Burke Jr.
Lauer was seen handing Burke, who specializes in real estate, negligence and criminal law, an envelope moments after stepping out of his car. He then got back into the vehicle and headed home.
Burke previously defended basketball star Jason Kidd when he was charged with drunk driving shortly after the then-Brooklyn Nets coach was hit with a misdemeanor drunken driving charge after a 2012 crash.
Lauer’s mid-morning outing came shortly after Today read the ex-anchor’s full apology on the air at the start of the program on Thursday.
‘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.
‘I regret that my shame is now shared by the people I cherish dearly.’