"Some of what is being said about me is untrue or mischaracterized, but there is enough truth in these stories to make me feel embarrassed and ashamed," he said.

"I regret that my shame is now shared by the people I cherish dearly," he said.

Lauer, for 20 years the top anchor of NBC's "Today Show," was summarily fired Wednesday less than 48 hours after the unnamed colleague met with network executives.

Read also: Actress says Weinstein's assistant turned blind eye to assault

His sudden fall was just the latest to rock the US media and entertainment industries, hit by rolling waves of disclosures that have brought down some of the biggest names in the business. 

"There are no words to express my sorrow and regret for the pain I have caused others by words and actions. To the people I have hurt, I am truly sorry," Lauer said.

"As I am writing this I realize the depth of the damage and disappointment I have left behind at home and at NBC," he said.

Repairing the damage is now "my full-time job," he said.

"The last two days have forced me to take a very hard look at my own troubling flaws. It's been humbling."

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