Matt Lauer fired: NBC Today show host dismissed over sexual misconduct allegation

The network's chairman has 'reason to believe' it may not have been an isolated incident

NBC news anchor Matt Lauer has been fired for inappropriate workplace behaviour, the network has announced.

The news was announced on The Today Show where Lauer has been an anchor for two decades by Savannah Guthrie who had been informed minutes before going on air.

Lauer, who is said to be the highest-paid personality in TV news, has been fired over what is currently reported to be a sole harassment allegation made by an employee.

NBC News chairman Andrew Lack revealed that Lauer's firing came after “being presented with reason to believe this may not have been an isolated incident.”

Addressing the news in an emotional Twitter video, Guthrie said: "This is a sad morning at Today and NBC News. As I'm sure you can understand, we are devastated. I'm heartbroken for Matt. He is my dear, dear colleague."

Guthrie added that she was heartbroken for the woman who accused Lauer of sexual misconduct.

The news comes after CBS sacked leading anchor Charlie Rose following allegations of sexual misconduct while as well as Fox News who sacked Bill O'Reilly in April.

Donald Trump addressed the news in a tweet which saw him call for the sacking of NBC executives, including Lack.

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