Kathie Lee lauer ad

Kathie Lee lauer ad news

Kathie Lee Gifford is speaking out to ET about a full-page USA Today ad she wrote in support of the recently embattled Matt Lauer, which she gathered hundreds of signatures from Today's cast and crew for. Though Gifford didn't end up publishing the open letter on Lauer's request, she makes it clear that she stands by him 100 percent -- even if that means walking away from Today.

"We are tired of the truth not coming forward and we have watched this man we respect and admire

be vilified," she told ET at the American Mothers National Convention in New York City where she was presented with the Mother of Achievement award. "He is a good guy and if he goes, I'm going too."

According to Gifford, Lauer has plenty of support from his co-workers.

"People didn’t even finish reading it and people were ripping the pen out of my hand to sign it… NBC didn't ask me to do this. They know better. This was a proclamation in support of Matt," she said about the open letter.

But did ousted former Today co-host Ann Curry sign the petition?

"It's not that she didn't sign it. It's just that we couldn’t find Ann," she clarified.

The drama comes on the heels of New York Times reporter Brian Stelter's new book Top of the Morning which hones in on the recent activity surrounding Today, specifically the dismissal of Ann Curry, which the reporter alleges was planned well in advance.