Matt Lauer Could Jeopardize Giada De Laurentiis’ Guest Appearances on ‘Today’ (REPORT)

Months after Matt Lauer‘s Today show firing, the disgraced TV star is making headlines again — this time for his rumored affair with Giada De Laurentiis. Matt’s seemingly close relationship with celebrity chef Giada — who often makes guest appearances on Today — has been the subject of scrutiny in the past, but now it’s being reported that the mom-of-one could get the boot from NBC because of her friendship (and maybe more) with Matt. Scroll down to see everything we know about Matt and Giada!

They went on vacation together

People were scratching their heads in 2011 when the Food Network star was spotted in Barbados with Matt. The two were photographed hanging out in the ocean together, laughing and, to be honest, generally looking like two people who were a little more than friends. The pair were on the beach for an NBC segment, but, not surprisingly, that didn’t stop people from talking.

(Photo Credit: Splash News)

They had dinner in NYC together

A few years later in 2013, Giada and Matt were seen having a “very cozy” dinner at Craig Koketsu’s Park Avenue Autumn. Page Six, who first reported the sighting, said of the dinner date, “Fellow customers were surprised to see the pair dining together — but we’re told it was all business.”

Giada has denied an affair of any sort

Responding to a story that once ran in Star magazine, the 47-year-old vehemently denied being romantically involved with both Matt and Bobby Flay. (The chef was linked to both men shortly after she announced her divorce from fashion designer Todd Thompson.) “My long-time friendships with my co-workers Matt Lauer and Bobby Flay are exactly that — long-time friendships,” she said.

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Matt denied the affair, as well

Not surprisingly, Matt also denied that his relationship with Giada was anything more than professional. When asked by TMZ in 2015 if there was anything going on between the two, the 60-year-old quickly said, “From the horse’s mouth we have been friends for 10 years and more importantly I feel bad for what she has been going through.” There we have it?

Giada could be on the NBC “chopping block” because of Matt

Whether their alleged affair is real or not, it isn’t hard to believe that Giada’s gig as a recurring guest on Today is in jeopardy because of Matt. Sources told Page Six that NBC wants to distance themselves from anyone who was close with Matt for obvious reasons. “Matt always had the final say on show experts, but now they want new blood,” an insider revealed. “They want more diversity.” However, Giada’s rep contradicted that claim and said, “Not true. Giada will still be making her appearances on Today and we are currently working on her schedule to confirm.” That said, she hasn’t been on the show in a while, so only time will tell.