Matt Lauer 'truly sorry' following NBC firing

A day after he was sensationally fired by NBC, former Today host Matt Lauer has broken his silence following accusations of sexual misconduct.

The 59-year-old, who fronted the American morning show with co-host Savannah Guthrie, released a statement saying he was "truly sorry" for the hurt he caused.

"There are no words to express my sorrow and regret for the pain I have caused others by words and actions," Lauer said via a statement. "To the people I have hurt, I am truly sorry."

He continues, saying while his termination from the US network has forced him to look at his "troubling flaws", the father-of-three also believes there are some "untrue" and "mischaracterized" reports however added he is nonetheless "ashamed".

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"The last two days have forced me to take a very hard look at my troubling flaws. It has been humbling. 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," Lauer went on.

"I regret that my shame is now shared by the people I cherish dearly. As I am writing this I realize the depth of the damage and disappointment I have left behind at home and at NBC. I am blessed to be surrounded by the people I love. I thank them for their patience and grace.

"Repairing the damage will take a lot of time and soul searching and I'm committed to beginning that effort. It is now my full time job."

Lauer's statement comes after Guthrie announced her former co-host's sacking during the Wednesday morning (US time) Today broadcast.

"We just learned this moments ago, just this morning," a visibly up-set Guthrie said, who was joined by Lauer's replacement Hoda Kotb.

"As I’m sure you can imagine, we are devastated and we are still processing all of this... We are heartbroken. I’m heartbroken for Matt – he is my dear, dear friend and my partner, and he has been loved by many, many people here. And I’m heartbroken for the brave colleague who came forward to tell her story, and any other women who have their own stories to tell."

After 20 years working for the network and hosting Today, NBC terminated Lauer's employment for what they called in a statement, "inappropriate sexual behaviour" with a colleague.

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