NBC Fires Back at Today Show Firing Rumors
NBC has responded to reports that Natalie Morales and Willie Geist have been dropped from the Today show, saying the rumors are "wrong — period."
"NBC's Today has the best anchor team in morning television," NBC News President Deborah Turness told TVGuide.com in a statement. "The entire Today show anchor team — Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker, Natalie Morales, Willie Geist, Carson Daly, Tamron Hall, Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb — are incredibly talented, valued and have our support. In response to the false rumors that have been circulated about our anchor team, NBC wants to be absolutely clear: The rumors are wrong — period. This is the team we are committed to. And this is the team that our viewers turn to in the morning."
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Us Weekly reported Wednesday that the two co-hosts were "recently told they were fired," and that Geist, 39, is heading to CBS, while Morales is in talks with ABC. Last week, the New York Post reported that Morales was planning to leave the show amid behind-the-scenes tension with Hall and Turness.
According to Us, the "shake-up" was part of NBC's ongoing attempts to beat ABC's surging Good Morning America in the ratings. The magazine claims Morales and Geist's alleged firings came at the recommendation of Today general manager Jamie Horowitz, who was let go on Monday after just two months. The Wrap also reported Wednesday that Horowitz was fired for planning to oust Morales and Geist.
What do you think of the Today show's statement? Would you miss Morales and Geist?
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