Matt Lauer, Natalie Morales deny affair
Fox 411: Former 'Today' co-hosts address rumors behind Morales' departure
There's nothing to see over here. At least, according to Matt Lauer and Natalie Morales.
The former coworkers are denying rumors Morales left her job in New York for a job in California at "Today" and "Access Hollywood" because the pair had an affair.
"Every aspect of this story is untrue, and it’s frankly sad that someone would tell lies to harm everyone involved," Lauer told the New York Post.
Morales chimed in saying, "There is absolutely no truth to this completely absurd story. It is damaging, hurtful and extremely sexist. I have proven myself in all aspects of my job as a news professional and journalist, and am adding to my role, taking on three jobs with ‘Access Hollywood Live’ and ‘Access Hollywood,’ in addition to ‘Today.’ This move was dictated by me and my desire to grow in my career. Any insinuations beyond that are uninformed."
According to the Page Six report, Morales moved to California because her husband, Joseph Rhodes, got a new job.
However, another source told the Post that "something has gone awry" and the also married Lauer "didn't want to work with her."
"Today" exec Noah Oppenheim stood up for Lauer and Morales calling the rumors "patently false." He added that "suggestion[s] that Natalie's new role and salary is anything but the result of her merit, is not only not true — it’s sexism in its ugliest form and it’s offensive."
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