Want some whine with that cheese, Matt Lauer?
Back in November 2017, the journalist was fired from NBC News after allegedly engaging in sexual misconduct with fellow co-workers.
In his first interview since the scandal, the 60-year-old tells Checkpoint With John Campbell that he feels people are “taking advantage” of his “difficult times” when it comes to his New Zealand real estate drama.
Related: Katie Couric Finally Speaks Publicly On Matt Lauer’s Firing!
Last year, the disgraced host purchased the lease to Hunter Valley Station for $13 million. The lease was approved by the Overseas Investment Office because he passed a good character test and agreed to rules and conditions.
After the scandal, the Walking Access Commission and Department of Conservation are demanding the right to use a 40 kilometer road that winds through the property. Because the land is owned by the government, many believe it should be accessed by the public.
Not only does Lauer feel like a victim of “misinformation,” he believes he is an “easy mark” due to the allegations against him. He explained:
“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… And what they’re going to try to do is put this through, which would set a precedent because this has not been done ever before with a pastoral lease holder or property owner without that person’s consent.”
Ultimately, he doesn’t believe he is being treated fairly.
“In the year-and-a-half or year-plus that I’ve owned it, I’ve invested hundreds of thousands of dollars to improve the property, and now a year later they come and say, ‘Oh, wait a minute, we granted you this lease under this set of rules. We’d like to change the rules.’ I don’t think that’s fair.”‘
Lauer says he plans to re-visit New Zealand next month, and “would certainly explore” compensation if an easement is granted.
He is currently going through a divorce with wife Annette Roque.
[Image via Dennis Van Tine/Future Image/WENN.]
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