Matt Lauer — Secrets Of Cheating ‘Today’ Star’s Sham Marriage

Matt Lauer's career crashed over charges of "inappropriate sexual behavior" by the "Today Show" host — but insiders say that his marriage came to an end long before the shocking claims!

Close sources told The National ENQUIRER that Matt had walked out on his Dutch-born wife, Annette Roque, in 2016 — and was already scrambling to protect himself against a $60 million divorce! “Matt’s taking stock of his assets and trying to cash out before stuff hits the fan,” a spy said, with The ENQUIRER having already caught the notorious womanizer in a series of cheating scandals.

Two years after tying the knot in 1998, Annette learned Matt had an affair with married 26-year-old Jessica Thorman while they were engaged. Rumors of Matt’s ongoing affair with “Today” co-anchor Natalie Morales have swirled since 2012. The ENQUIRER revealed how the arrogant newsman was pursuing beautiful young journalist Lucie Fink (pictured) as her "mentor," and he was caught with other women at a hockey game and on his boat!

The insiders added that Matt was under pressure for years from "Today Show" producers to keep his marriage looking intact. They wanted to maintain their star's wholesome image — before they had to abruptly fire Matt after reports of sexual harassment and more bad behavior on the set. By then, however, Matt had already left his wife and kids at a beautiful new property in upstate New York while he stayed in a Manhattan apartment.

"It's not perfect," said the insider, "but it's an arrangement that suits them." Family friend Nils Fonteijn, however, had already warned that Matt's in-laws "were deeply upset at the continuing strife in Annette's marriage, and her mother is frantic with worry!"