Matt Lauer‘s ex-wife, Annette Roque, suffered her own “hell” during her marriage to the former “Today” anchor, according to a report.
The Netherlands model and the one-time NBC star’s relationship faced challenges from the beginning of their 20-year marriage, Us Weekly reported.
“There were cracks in the marriage from very early on,” an insider told the outlet. “Matt has always been a ladies’ man, and there were affairs in the beginning.”
But the source said 52-year-old Roque “chose to believe Matt’s denials,” and stuck by him.
“She stayed for Matt’s career — and, more important, for their kids,” the insider said.
She and the 61-year-old disgraced ex-host are parents to sons Jack, 18, and Thijs, 12, as well as daughter Romy, 16.
During the final five years of her marriage, Roque had “been through hell,” especially after the host was fired by NBC for sexual misconduct.
“Annette wanted out of the marriage for a long time,” the insider said.
The pair split in 2017 and their divorce was finalized last month.
Roque spoke out in a statement last week when asked about the allegations of sexual assault against her husband.
“In response to your inquiry, our client has asked us to tell you that now that the parties are officially divorced, her priority and only concern is for their wonderful children,” Roque’s lawyer John M. Teitler told People magazine.
Lauer’s rep could not immediately be reached.