NBC’s decision to ax Matt Lauer has been met with shock, sadness but also elation from several celebrities outraged at the sexual misconduct claims against him.
Rose McGowan, who blew open the Harvey Weinstein scandal, has led a chorus of celebrity campaigners saluting the network for giving him the chop.
‘Don’t let the door hit you on the way out, Matt Lauer’, she tweeted
Axed: Matt Lauer was dumped by NBC on Wednesday morning in reaction to sexual misconduct allegations
And while his many co-stars have shared a muted and sombre response to his departure, others have said Lauer gets what he deserves.
Speaking on The View, Joy Beha said ‘Karma is a b****’ when asked about NBC’s decision to immediately let Lauer go in light of accusations.
Actress Yvette Nicole Brown tweeted: ‘How damning must the allegation(s) be to topple someone as high up as BEFORE the allegations are even revealed?’
‘Sad to realize that entertainment companies like CBS and NBC have a higher standard for conduct than a lot of the voters in America.’
Variety and The New York Times both claim to be working on major exposés about Lauer.
Kathy Griffin tweeted: ‘Matt Lauer has been on my list for a while.’
President Trump was also quick to respond to the news
‘Wow, Matt Lauer was just fired from NBC for “inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace.” But when will the top executives at NBC & Comcast be fired for putting out so much Fake News’
And he wasn’t the only tweeter to use the news to go after NBC.
Hilarie Burton has asked why Matt Lauer has been sacked by her alleged abuser – showrunner Mark Schwahn – has been allowed to keep his job.
‘It’s amazing to me that @nbc can fire Lauer, but Mark Schwahn — after over 40 women have come forward — is still on ‘suspension’ over at @e_entertainment.’
‘We just waiting for the whole thing to blow over? New day, new headline? Fire the predator. #BurnItDownSis.’
While Corey Feldman tweeted that the news showed Lauer’s reporting couldn’t trusted: ‘Hmmm interesting….This might explain the hostile interview while I was trying 2 expose the truth….eh Matt?’
Political commentator Keith Olbermann went one step further and accused the network of enabling Lauer.
‘Matt Lauer was remorsely vindictive and tyrannical to everyone at NBC News and management repeatedly enabled him and buried the issue’.
Many believe Lauer’s true colors came to light in the harsh dismissal of Ann Curry as co-anchor of the Today show.
The star wept online as she announced her departure. It allegedly came after weeks of behind the scenes dealing – with Lauer insisting she be axed or he would leave.