It started Tuesday, when an executive producer at Fox 8 in Cleveland tweeted something said by anchor/reporter Mark Zinni.
"I was just a young kid with a bright future ahead of me," @markzinni talking about internship at @todayshow and "not so nice" @MLauer
"I was just a young kid with a bright future ahead of me," @markzinni talking about internship at @todayshow and "not so nice" @MLauer-- Darren Sweeney
The timing was no coincidence. Two days earlier, New York published a damning cover story that showed a much darker side of Today — and Matt Lauer's career.
"Wealthy BigPenis" wanted to hear more.
@MarkZinni lauer was a dick?
@MarkZinni lauer was a dick?-- Wealthy BigPenis
So Zinni confirmed that he didn't have the best internship experience.
@CONCEDE i was an intern there in '97, his first year on the job... how do i say this....? he was.... not nice.
@CONCEDE i was an intern there in '97, his first year on the job... how do i say this....? he was.... not nice.-- Mark Zinni
And Matt Lauer revealed that he actually does read his Twitter mentions.
@MarkZinni huh? Always tried to be nice Mark. Sorry you didn't think so. Hope you're doing well. Matt
@MarkZinni huh? Always tried to be nice Mark. Sorry you didn't think so. Hope you're doing well.
Matt-- Matt Lauer
h/t FTVLive
UPDATE: Zinni has responded on fox8.com with "The Matt Lauer Saga: Mark Zinni's Side." He says he's not disgruntled ("thanks, BuzzFeed!") but flattered Lauer remembers him: "I didn't slam the guy, I just made an honest comment."