Natalie Morales Fired From ‘Today Show’? Hoda Kotb Is Matt Lauer’s Favorite, Claims Rumors

Rumors are claiming that Natalie Morales’ Today Show days are numbered, and it is being suggest that Hoda Kotb would serve as her replacement. But is there anything to these rumors at all?

In a related report by the Inquisitr, Kathie Lee and Hoda Kotb pulled a nude joke where they claimed they were going to have a clothing-free show.

The rumor is based upon rampant speculation that Natalie Morales will be moved from the Today Show over to Dateline. Matt Lauer supposedly prefers Hoda Kotb for the 7 to 9 a.m. newsreader, and this move will supposedly be positioned as a promotion.

“They’ll try to position this as a ‘promotion’ for Natalie — but make no mistake, she’s not happy,” said one source to The New York Post.

In the past, it was reported that Lauer managed to get former co-host Ann Curry fired, so perhaps there may be some truth to the gossip. Whether or not the rumor is true, a spokesperson for NBC News insists Morales isn’t going anywhere.

“This sounds like someone is trying to stir up trouble after the Today win in the demo last week,” the rep said. “We’ve got great momentum, we love our team and Natalie is an important part of it.”

This is not the first time it has been suggested that NBC would have Natalie Morales fired from the Today Show. In the fall of 2014, some reports claimed she and Willie Geist were already seeking new jobs, but NBC slammed this speculation.

“NBC’s Today has the best anchor team in morning television,” NBC News President Deborah Turness said at the time, according to The Wrap.

“The entire Today show anchor team — Matt Lauer,Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker, Natalie Morales, Willie Geist, Carson Daly, Tamron Hall, Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb — are incredibly talented, valued and have our support. In response to the false rumors that have been circulated about our anchor team, NBC wants to be absolutely clear: The rumors are wrong — period. This is the team we are committed to. And this is the team that our viewers turn to in the morning.”

Do you think NBC should have Natalie Morales fired from the Today Show and replace her with Hoda Kotb?

[Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images]