Don Lemon Defends Matt Lauer, Believes He Can Make a Comeback
Don Lemon, a former CNN host, has come out in support of Matt Lauer, the former Today show host who was forced out of his high-profile gig in 2017 due to allegations of sexual misconduct.
Don Lemon’s Support for Matt Lauer
During an appearance on the “Hollywood Raw Podcast With Dax Holt and Adam Glyn,” Lemon, 58, expressed his thoughts on Lauer’s potential return to the industry. He believes that Lauer can make a successful comeback, potentially through a podcast.
“I think that if he could come back to digital, he can set his own course,” he explained. “But I only got to know Matt after, you know, the whole situation happened.”
Public Support for Matt Lauer
Lemon shared that he has seen firsthand the positive reaction Lauer receives from fans while out in public. “Whenever I see Matt out and about or, you know, even with us, if we go out to dinner, my husband [Tim Malone] go out to dinner with him and his fiancée and people love him. Women love him. They’re like, ‘Man, oh my God, can I get a picture? I love you. I miss you on television.’ Right?” he recalled.
“And so, I think the public loves him. The public misses him, but it’s just the… it’s the people inside the business who are afraid of.”
Barriers to a Return
According to Lemon, the main obstacle to Lauer’s return is the fear and skepticism from those within the industry. “Maybe there is a way that he’ll come back, but I think it’s more of the people who are inside of the business who are concerned about, you know, what happened with Matt,” he said.
A Potential Comeback
Lemon believes that if it were up to the public rather than the networks and executives, Lauer would have a shot at returning to the public eye. “I think the public… I’ll put it this way. I think the general public would accept — just me — would accept Matt back. And I think people would watch him and I think the ratings would be great.”
Related: Matt Lauer Feels He’s ‘Owed an Apology’ Years After Misconduct Scandal
Conclusion
Don Lemon’s support for Matt Lauer is a rare example of a public figure standing behind someone accused of sexual misconduct. While Lauer’s return to the industry is uncertain, Lemon’s words of encouragement may be a step in the right direction.
FAQs
Q: What did Don Lemon say about Matt Lauer’s potential comeback?
A: Don Lemon believes that Lauer can make a successful comeback, potentially through a podcast, and that the public would accept him back.
Q: What is the main obstacle to Lauer’s return?
A: According to Don Lemon, the main obstacle is the fear and skepticism from those within the industry who are concerned about what happened to Lauer.
Q: Has there been talk of a return for Lauer before?
A: Yes, in April 2024, a source told Us Weekly that Lauer was “planning a comeback” years after he was fired from NBC amid allegations of sexual misconduct.