Matt Lauer is popular for being the longtime host of the "Today" show, so his release from the show probably shocked everyone. But, behind his smiles, greetings, and the seemingly perfect image on the TV screen, the 59-year-old had managed to get his name dirty with rumors and allegations, but one of the most resounding accusations were those of his wife, Annette Roque.
In what seemed like a foreshadowing of his capacity to do things, Roque had once alleged her husband of "cruel and inhumane acts" during her filling for divorce in 2006, but this was only publicly released in 2014. The documents claimed that Roque had suffered excessive control from Lauer, so much so that even decorating, travel, and finances were handled by the host.
Lauer's said acts had affected Roque's mental and physical state, the documents read. The host was also alleged to have been criticizing her wife's parenting skills. Roque filed for the divorce in 2006, though she had withdrawn the documents three weeks later. She and Lauer had mended broken fences as well.
Roque was a model who had appeared in Victoria's Secret shoots. She and Lauer met through a blind date and wed in 1998. They share three children, Jack Matthew, Romy, and Thijs.
Meanwhile, the surfacing of Roque's divorce complaints came after Lauer had been fired off the show he was with for more than 20 years. NBC News chairman Andrew Lack, in a statement read by Savannah Guthrie, revealed that they had received a letter of complaint, alleging Lauer of sexual misconduct towards another coworker during the time he was reporting during the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.
Lack also explained that although it was the first complaint they had received about the host, they "were also presented with reason to believe this may not have been an isolated incident."
