After word spread to the media that Ann Curry was set to leave NBC’s “Today” show, she continued working, despite her presence causing a considerably awkward tension. Ratings had fallen, her relationship with Matt Lauer could have been described as “professional” at best and she was given nothing more than a short five-minute segment at the end of her final show to say goodbye to viewers.
All of this has led to a lot of speculation, something Harvey Levin of TMZ is a master of analyzing. He took to his Twitter today to share his insight into what went down at the end of Ann Curry’s “Today” show tenure.
You could feel tension when Matt Lauer was touting Ann Curry–she turned away when he kissed her. He wanted her out and made it clear to NBC
— Harvey Levin (@HarveyLevinTMZ) June 28, 2012
It's significant that Savannah Guthrie wasn't with Ann when she said goodbye. NBC blew it by letting it linger clearly pissed off Ann
— Harvey Levin (@HarveyLevinTMZ) June 28, 2012
Remember even Jane Pauley was gracious when she passed the torch to Deborah Norville .. NBC could have gotten this from Ann but they blew it
— Harvey Levin (@HarveyLevinTMZ) June 28, 2012
@NYCinHamburg Clearly Ann wasn't playing ball. I'm told she was real upset NBC dragged it out and made her a joke. It was really mishandled
— Harvey Levin (@HarveyLevinTMZ) June 28, 2012
GMA has to be LOVING this …And Savannah Guthrie is ok, but really? They should have put Hoda ..she has Kati Couric range. It's their show
— Harvey Levin (@HarveyLevinTMZ) June 28, 2012
The Twitterverse added chimes of agreement to Levin’s commentary on the circumstances of Curry’s departure.
@HarveyLevinTMZ clearly, they only gave Ann 5 minutes to say good bye after 15 years.
— karmina ?✨ (@kaysanch19) June 28, 2012
@HarveyLevinTMZ So disgraceful the way NBC and Matt Lauer did this. She deserved better. Not watching Today show again!
— Charlene Davis ?❄??????☕?⏳ (@justcharbar) June 28, 2012
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@HarveyLevinTMZ exactly what i thought. she looked pissed & uncomfortable i think NBC did more harm then good. I bet their ratings will fall
— Aaron Greite-Scheuerman (@NYCinHamburg) June 28, 2012
@HarveyLevinTMZ why should she be nice she got screwed and it didn't feel good!
— Glorob (@glorob) June 28, 2012
@HarveyLevinTMZ @msirismg Wow I agree with U Harvey! @todayshow screwed up big time; @MLauer not impressed with U either. Corporate thugs.
— Anne Marie Bartlett (@AnneM_B) June 28, 2012
@HarveyLevinTMZ you need to do a poll, how many will switch fr Today show to another morning program. I am!
— Brian Slaunwhite (@slaunie) June 28, 2012
None of this bodes well for NBC, which has now been beaten in the ratings by “Good Morning America” several times. With such troubling times for the “Today” show, who knows how far they’ll fall?
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