Matt Lauer apologizes: “There is enough truth in these stories to make me feel embarrassed and ashamed”

CNN

"There are no words to express my sorrow and regret for the pain I have caused others by words and actions," Lauer said in a statement that Savannah Guthrie read on air at the top of this morning's Today show. "To the people I have hurt, I am truly sorry. As I am writing this I realize the depth of the damage and disappointment I have left behind at home and at NBC. 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. I regret that my shame is now shared by the people I cherish dearly. Repairing the damage will take a lot of time and soul searching and I'm committed to beginning that effort," Lauer said. "It is now my full time job. The last two days have forced me to take a very hard look at my own troubling flaws. It's been humbling. I am blessed to be surrounded by the people I love. I thank them for their patience and grace." ALSO: One TV critic tweets that Lauer's statement "rings so false." Another TV critic adds that "these statements are all beginning to sound even more alike than the accusations. Is one crisis manager writing all of them?"