It's finally happening—Matt Lauer is stepping into a new phase of his life. Five long months have passed since his abrupt departure from the "Today" show, following serious allegations of sexual misconduct. Now, the disgraced journalist has taken the significant step of moving out of the luxurious Hamptons home he once shared with his family. This $35 million estate was more than just a house; it was a symbol of the life Matt built with his wife, Annette Roque, and their three children. But that chapter has officially closed.
Getting Matt to leave wasn’t easy. According to a source speaking with Us Weekly, the move was a tough sell. “It was quite a challenge because Matt was digging his heels in, refusing to go,” the insider revealed. “He had this mindset that everything revolved around him. He was worried about how leaving would look to the media, especially after being let go by NBC. Meanwhile, Annette was left feeling defeated. She had hoped Matt would see that this move was in the best interest of her and the kids. But for Matt, it was all about his public image.”
A Fall from Grace: The Incident That Changed Everything
It all started back in November when a woman came forward with allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior against Matt. The situation was swift and severe—NBC terminated his contract almost immediately. In response, Matt issued a public statement acknowledging his mistakes. “There are simply no words to express the depth of sorrow and regret I feel for the pain I’ve caused others through my actions and words,” he admitted. “To those I’ve hurt, I am genuinely sorry. As I reflect on this, I see the immense damage and disappointment I’ve left behind, not only at home but also at NBC. Some of the accusations against me may not be entirely accurate, but there’s enough truth there to leave me feeling deeply embarrassed and ashamed.”
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Annette's Decision: The End of a Troubled Marriage
Shortly after the scandal broke, reports emerged that Annette was preparing for a high-stakes divorce. In Touch magazine shed light on her decision, revealing that seeing the support from her family and friends gave her the strength to move forward without Matt. “This wasn’t an easy choice for her,” the source explained. “She’s been through so much—nights spent crying herself to sleep, even attempting to divorce him years earlier. But this time, she’s resolved. She knows she’s better off without him. It’s like a weight has been lifted from her shoulders, giving her a fresh start she truly deserves.”
Unlike her previous attempt to divorce Matt back in 2006—where she accused him of “cruel and inhumane” behavior—Annette isn’t backing down this time. “This feels like a turning point,” the source continued. “It’s as if a massive burden has been lifted off her shoulders. She’s ready to move forward with her life, and this time, she’s sticking to her decision.”
