Following “Today” co-host Matt Lauer’s ouster from the NBC morning program, Ann Curry is ripe for a return to show. At least, that’s what a new online petition is hoping for.
On Wednesday, following news that Lauer had been canned from “Today” over a complaint of “inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace,” a Care2 petition called for NBC to “at least extend an offer” to Curry to come back on the show, which she exited in 2012.
“Since NBC TODAY Show host Matt Lauer has been fired for sexual misconduct, it’s time to bring back Ann Curry, former ‘Today’ Show co-host who allegedly blamed Matt Lauer, along with a ‘boys’ club atmosphere,’ for forcing her out,” the petition reads.
Citing a report that Curry “did not get along” with Lauer while co-hosting “Today,” the petition adds, “When Curry announced on-air that she’d be leaving the show, she wept and positioned her body away from Lauer.”
With Lauer now 86’ed from the show, the petition contends, it’s time to extend an offer to Curry.
“Curry now runs her own media production, but NBC should at least extend an offer to bring her back on the show,” the petition reads. “Please sign to ask NBC to invite Ann Curry back to the TODAY Show!”
Lauer’s ousting from the show was announced during Wednesday’s episode of “Today.”
“I am heartbroken,” said “Today” personality Savannah Guthrie of the situation.
In a memo to employees, NBC News chairman Andy Lack said that he had received a “detailed complaint” from a staffer on Monday night.
“It represented, after serious review a clear violation of our company’s standards,” Lack wrote. “While it is the first complaint about his behavior in the over 20 years he’s been at NBC News, we were also presented with reason to believe this may not have been an isolated incident.”
As of this writing, the petition has drawn more than 300 supporters, out of its goal of 1,000.