As speculation swirls each year about Matt Lauer’s potential return to television, some sources suggest that his current girlfriend, publicist Shamin Abbas, may be keeping these rumors alive.
A source mentioned that “she’s encouraging him to keep trying” and insists that there are examples of other celebrities bouncing back. “They think people would give him another chance,” the insider added.
PR experts feel that shows like “The Morning Show,” which features a character resembling Lauer tied to past controversies, could pave the way for his return to the screen.
(Apple Original series showrunner Kerry Ehrin noted in an interview, “It wasn’t designed to be about him.”)
Since Lauer was dismissed from NBC in the fallout of the 2017 scandal, headlines about his comeback have resurfaced almost every year, including this week in People magazine. Insiders revealed that “he’s been talking to some people” about making a return.
Interestingly, sources indicated that he had previously floated the idea of coming back but was met with a “firm no.”
One source remarked, “He’s old now. He’s lived a good life,” suggesting a sense of resignation about his career.
After Lauer finalized his divorce from Annette Locke in 2019, he and Abbas started dating and have been enjoying a relatively simple life in the Hamptons.
When approached for comment regarding a recent Page Six article that highlighted Lauer’s attendance at a women-only golf event at her club in 2023, Abbas stated that the claims were “absolutely false.”
She added, “This work was hurtful to Matt, his children, and me. Don’t pretend you’re working on something that claims to represent the truth. Sorry to be blunt,” closing her statement.
At least she acknowledged the bluntness?
