Matt Lauer is feeling the wrath of Ann Curry fans as they scream out their opinions of the Today host, and they are not good at all.
According to TMZ, Lauer is "freaked out" that a lot of people have been screaming at him on the streets of Manhattan, calling him names and blaming him for the demise of ex-host Curry.
Network sources told TMZ that Lauer is "miserable" over what he believes are hateful and unfair tirades. The harassment is constant as people are screaming things like, "You're a bad guy" and "You got Ann fired. Does that make you happy?"
The 54-year-old "Today" show host also received sarcastic comments about his $25 million a year salary. He feels "abused" and insists that Curry's firing earlier this year is not his fault.
"It's driving him crazy. He's so unhappy," one network source said.
Rumors suggest that Curry was let go because Lauer demanded that Curry be replaced in his recent negotiations to resign onto the show. Another rumor says that ratings took a drastic hit as soon as Curry started hosting and that's why she was let go.
Rumors circulated earlier than Lauer was going to get fired from the "Today" show, but NBC executives denied those rumors.
"There is absolutely no truth to this," Alexandra Wallace, a newly installed executive overseeing the "Today" morning show said. "There have been some recent outrageous claims regarding Matt and the 'Today' show, and an awful lot of piling on from nameless, faceless sources. These stories are wrong and irresponsible."
But it just seems that the public still feels that way towards the host, especially with people publishing bashing him. No doubt they are stating their dislike for Lauer in the comment sections of posts online.
Under TMZ's article, commenters said how they really felt about Lauer.
"Sometimes the truth hurts!!"
"Lauer comes off as a pushy jerk in about every interview he does. Personally, I never liked him because of his "holier than thou" attitude. The dude needs a cold dose of reality and lose HIS job and see how it feels. Hell, right now he's just getting the harsh words. Sooner or later some REALLY nutty Ann Curry fan will try to hit him. It'll happen at some point. I don't condone violence though, but I would like to see him put in his place, somehow..."
"This guy is an a**. Ego is too big. I used to like him but now I cant even watch him."
"Good! That EGOTISTICAL piece of garbage deserves everything he gets!!!!!"
Under New York Daily News' article, people were outraged.
"Can't stand Lauer, haven't watched the Today Show in a very long time and wouldn't consider it until Lauer is replaced. I hate this guy."
"Only in America could a peon like Lauer be paid $25 million a year to read the news."
"Time for Matt to move on, so I can start watching today again. Once an asset, now a detriment."
What do you think of Matt Lauer? Sound off below!
