Celebrity News

Matt Lauer: People scream abuse at me in the street

Matt Lauer is being harassed on the streets of Manhattan by people screaming at him and blaming him for the unceremonious sacrifice of Ann Curry, reports say.

Network sources tell TMZ, that Lauer is “miserable” over what he believes are hateful and unfair tirades with people yelling things like “You’re a bad guy,” and “You got Ann fired. Does that make you happy?”

Matt is reportedly telling people at NBC that he is also suffering abuse about his $25 million salary and is insisting Curry’s being let go is not his fault. He feels “abused”, the site reported

Lauer has a contract, sources tell TMZ, and the network has no one else to turn to host the show. But he has been unhappy for months.

In September, Page Six reported on grumblings behind the scenes as “Today” was sinking in the ratings. Sources told us that Lauer was beginning to act like an “anchor animal” taking control of the show and berating staff who are no longer allowed to even mention rival “Good Morning America” around him.

There has also been talk of possible cutbacks and layoffs, with sources telling Page Six that many NBC staffers are wondering whether Lauer will give up any of his annual salary to save their jobs. A rep for “Today” told us at the time, “There will be absolutely no staff cuts at the ‘Today’ show.”