Matt Lauer tells fans, "don't worry, I'll be back on TV" after sexual misconduct allegations

NBC’s Matt Lauer was fired as host of Today last year amid a slew of sexual misconduct allegations back in November, detailing a culture of impunity that allowed the host to aggressively pursue sexual relationships with female colleagues. Lauer issued an apology shortly after, but denied any stories of “coercive, aggressive or abusive actions.” Now, Page Six reports that Lauer recently told a crowd at New York City’s Donohue’s Steak House that, after nine months away, he’s ready to leer at you through your TV screen once again.

“I’ve been busy being a dad. But don’t worry, I’ll be back on TV,” he reportedly told a group of “older ladies” who told the former host they miss him. It won’t be at NBC, however, as reports emerged late last year that the network literally demolished his old office—the very same one where he was able to lock in guests via a button under his desk. Lauer’s hope for a comeback comes right on the heels of Louis CK’s go at rebooting his comedy career Sunday night, as well as Mario Batali’s desire to start a new company in the wake of his own sexual harassment scandal.