Viewers blame Matt Lauer for Ann Curry's departure

Matt Lauer, villain?

The 'Today' host seems like a likeable guy, but apparently some viewers of the NBC mainstay feel a little differently about him. In fact, he has taken some verbal abuse around New York City, according to NBC sources. Apparently people have been "screaming at him" and "calling him names," as they blame Lauer for Ann Curry's departure from the program over this summer. I did not realize people were still upset about that.

"Matt is 'miserable' over what he believes are hateful and unfair tirades," a source with knowledge of the abuse said. "Matt says the harassment is constant, with people screaming things like 'You're a bad guy,' and 'You got Ann fired. Does that make you happy?'"

Rumors persist that Lauer, during his contract renegotiations, stipulated that he wanted Curry removed as his co-anchor. That has not been proven, but a lot of sources have reported that. You would think the $25 million dollar salary would be enough to make the guy happy. 

Lauer feels "abused," according to the report, and it is "driving him crazy." Poor Matty.

'Today' has been in a slump for quite some time. Curry took some of the blame for that, but numbers have not shot up since she left. Is Lauer the problem, perhaps?