Many Illinois readers are aware of the marital troubles between former “Today” show host Matt Lauer and his wife of 20 years, Annette Roque. Lauer was fired last fall after allegations surfaced regarding inappropriate sexual conduct in the workplace. It appears that those accusations also placed additional stress on a marriage that already seemed troubled. Annette Roque filed shortly thereafter, and the couple now seems on track for a high asset divorce.
This is not the first time that the couple seemed headed for divorce. In 2006, Roque filed for divorce but withdrew her petition just three weeks later. Reports indicate that she was also considering divorce in 2014. According to some estimates, Matt Lauer has earned more than $100 million during his time at NBC, with a recent annual salary of $25 million.
The couple own several homes, and also have minor children. There is no mention of a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, meaning that the parties will need to either reach a settlement agreement on their own or argue the matter in front of the court. It’s reported that Lauer has been living in the guest house of one of the couple’s homes as they move toward divorce.
If the couple is able to work out a mutually agreeable divorce settlement, Matt Lauer could potentially avoid additional negative press. The allegations of improper conduct and his departure from the Today show dominated headlines at the time, and Lauer may be ready to simply move on with his life without additional media attention. However, if the parties are unable to agree on the terms of their high asset divorce, the case could play out in court as well as in the public arena. There is no doubt that Illinois residents will continue to follow the matter to its conclusion.
Source: people.com, “Matt Lauer Is Heading for a $100 Million Divorce: What’s at Stake?“, Gillian Telling, May 16, 2018
