Matt Lauer Claims He's Being Victimized In 1st Interview Since Sex Scandal

Matt Lauer is finally speaking out. The former news anchor had been quiet ever since NBC fired him from Today last fall over #MeToo allegations. Now, he’s given his first interview since the scandal broke to Radio New Zealand. Click through the gallery to see how Matt thinks he’s being victimized because he’s “an easy mark.”

Matt Lauer Claims He's Being Victimized In 1st Interview Since Sex Scandal

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Matt, 60, spoke to the radio network about a local dispute, but his words had big implications. In February of last year, he bought a lease to the $9 million Hunter Valley Station Ranch. Now, he claims people are taking advantage of his #MeToo allegations to encroach on his property.

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According to the New York Times, Hunter Valley Station is the only thoroughfare to Hawea Conservation Park in New Zealand. Hunters, fishers and hikers want permission to use a road that passes through the millionaire’s property. The government wants to give it to them.

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Matt told Radio New Zealand, “I believe the groups that are behind this are in some ways unfortunately taking advantage of some difficult times I've been through over the past six months and I think they see me as an easy mark.” That was his roundabout way of referencing his sexual harassment scandal.

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If he’s forced to give them access, the millionaire is going to “explore” demanding financial compensation from the government.

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Matt almost lost the property after last fall’s sexual harassment allegations came to light. New Zealand requires foreigners to pass a “good character” test to lease land. Since he wasn’t charged with a crime, lives in the U.S., and isn’t involved in the ranch day-to-day, the government decided he could keep it. But because of those allegations, they don't want to give him any money for use of the land.

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In November, Variety released a tell-all exposé on Matt, in which multiple women came forward with sexual harassment allegations against the Today anchor. He said in a statement at the time, “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.”

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Photo credit: MEGA

The father of three hadn’t spoken to the press since. A dispute with a foreign government over land rights is a bizarre choice for his first return into the spotlight.

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Photo credit: INSTARImages

Do you think Matt Lauer is right to play the victim? Sound off in the comments!

Matt, 60, spoke to the radio network about a local dispute, but his words had big implications. In February of last year, he bought a lease to the $9 million Hunter Valley Station Ranch. Now, he claims people are taking advantage of his #MeToo allegations to encroach on his property.

Photo credit: INSTARImages

According to the New York Times, Hunter Valley Station is the only thoroughfare to Hawea Conservation Park in New Zealand. Hunters, fishers and hikers want permission to use a road that passes through the millionaire’s property. The government wants to give it to them.

Photo credit: INSTARImages

Matt told Radio New Zealand, “I believe the groups that are behind this are in some ways unfortunately taking advantage of some difficult times I've been through over the past six months and I think they see me as an easy mark.” That was his roundabout way of referencing his sexual harassment scandal.

Photo credit: MEGA

If he’s forced to give them access, the millionaire is going to “explore” demanding financial compensation from the government.

Photo credit: INSTARImages

Matt almost lost the property after last fall’s sexual harassment allegations came to light. New Zealand requires foreigners to pass a “good character” test to lease land. Since he wasn’t charged with a crime, lives in the U.S., and isn’t involved in the ranch day-to-day, the government decided he could keep it. But because of those allegations, they don't want to give him any money for use of the land.

Photo credit: MEGA

In November, Variety released a tell-all exposé on Matt, in which multiple women came forward with sexual harassment allegations against the Today anchor. He said in a statement at the time, “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.”

Photo credit: MEGA

The father of three hadn’t spoken to the press since. A dispute with a foreign government over land rights is a bizarre choice for his first return into the spotlight.

Photo credit: MEGA

Do you think Matt Lauer is right to play the victim? Sound off in the comments!

Photo credit: INSTARImages