By Mark Gray
4:00am PST, Nov 30, 2023
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It's been six years since Matt Lauer was famously fired from the "Today" show amid sexual impropriety allegations. Since then, he's retreated from the spotlight and settled into his new life.
The former NBC anchor is living "a fairly good life" but "it's nothing at all like what it was" before his ousting, a source tells People magazine in a new report.
"It's a very quiet lifestyle, but he has nothing to complain about," the source continued. "He is dating, he's close with his kids. He still held on to the huge horse farm he shared with [ex-wife] Annette [Roque] on Long Island and they manage it together. They've navigated that fairly well."
Keep clicking to learn more about Matt's life and how his social circle has changed…
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Matt Lauer's inner circle is now vastly different. A People magazine source said the two-time Emmy winner "drastically changed his social circle and iced out many old friends, even people who stuck by him after the 'Today' show."
One pal who has stayed by Matt's side is Bryant Gumble.
"Matt loves Bryant and vice versa and their longtime friendship has really helped Matt through all of the issues he has faced in the last few years," a second People source said. "Matt has some projects he is working on, and Bryant has been encouraging and inspirational for him. They talk regularly."
During a recent red carpet interview, the "Real Sports" host called Matt "a good man."
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Matt Lauer sold his home in the Hamptons after he got the boot from the "Today" show in 2017.
"He sold his house in the Hamptons because he wants to spend more time at his place in New Zealand," a source said. "He feels peace there, loves it, loves the people, and it's good for his productivity level."
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After Annette Roque divorced Matt Lauer amid his sexual misconduct scandal, he began dating Shamin Abas. The duo — who vowed to keep their relationship private — are still going strong.
"Matt still gets trash talked and he doesn't want to give people any added options for it, so he and Shamin keep a very low profile," said a People magazine source. "They are still seriously dating and get along well. She has her own life away from him with her international PR and events firm, and her horse. She has taken up competitive jumping and loves it. Her friends are impressed with her athletic ability."
Although Matt sold his place in the Hamptons, he still has his farm there. Shamin "loves her life in the Hamptons, her horse and her new passion for jumping and competing," the source said, adding, "I don't know if marriage is in the cards any time soon, but they have a good relationship."
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Despite their shared love for New Zealand, Matt Lauer and Shamin Abas aren't eyeing a permanent move there.
"She has a full life in the U.S. and is busy with her clients, and her horse and other pets," yet another People source said. "I would be surprised if she would ever leave any of this permanently. Visits to New Zealand are one thing, but a permanent move doesn't make sense."
A big move would also take Matt away from his children: sons Thijs, 17, and Jack, 22, and daughter Romy, 20.
"Matt has a healthy and loving relationship with his kids and has been a good dad," the insider added.
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In 2017, multiple women accused "Today" host Matt Lauer of sexual misconduct, which prompted his firing. Two years later, one of the women — a former NBC News employee — alleged that he raped her in her hotel room at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. Matt, who was married at the time, admitted to the sexual encounter but insisted it was consensual.
At the time of his firing, he issued a statement: "There are no words to express my sorrow and regret for the pain I have caused others by words and actions. To the people I have hurt, I am truly sorry," he said. "As I am writing this I realize the depth of the damage and disappointment I have left behind at home and at NBC. Some of what is being said about me is untrue or mischaracterized, but there is enough truth in these stories to make me feel embarrassed and ashamed. I regret that my shame is now shared by the people I cherish dearly."
