Matt Lauer — How Hypocritical ‘Today’ Host Cashed In On Billy Bush Sex Scandal

Matt Lauer cashed in big after Billy Bush was caught in a sex scandal over audio tape with Donald Trump — as the hypocritical "Today" host signed  a $40 million contract , and his would-be replacement was sent packing!

The National ENQUIRER had the bombshell scoop on how NBC executives had given up on Matt after the newsman flubbed his gig moderating a presidential forum. But that was before Billy Bush trashed his own career over the 2016 election!

A top source told The ENQUIRER in September that Matt “could be gone by the end of 2016” after the newsman was panned by both Republicans and Democrats after sitting down with Hillary Clinton and Trump. “To be so ill-prepared for a major news event is being viewed as inexcusable, and his head could roll,” added the insider — with Billy Bush all set to take over hosting duties!

But that was before shocking audio was leaked of Billy talking about women with Trump. NBC executives were both furious over Billy getting caught in a sex scandal — and reports that he'd actually given away the bombshell exclusive of the secret tapes!

Sources claimed that Billy had bragged about the footage of "Trump being a real dog" to his old co-workers at "Access Hollywood," allowing the syndicated show to get the scoop!

Billy was promptly booted from 'Today" in a move that insiders say saved Matt's career. When Billy first joined the morning show's 9 a.m. slot, sources told The ENQUIRER that it was "a case of when — not if — Matt’s divorce from the show is finally going to happen!”

But then the network had to hold on to the longtime "Today" host. Matt reportedly signed a deal that had him making $20 million a year through 2018 — but that all went wrong when he was abruptly fired from "Today" over his own sex scandals!