Tracy Morgan’s First Interview Since Accident Will Be With Matt Lauer

Tracy Morgan is scheduled for his first interview since the tragic accident last June that killed one passenger and seriously injured Morgan and three other passengers. Morgan will be interviewed by Matt Lauer, co-host of NBC’s Today show. The live, in-studio interview will air Monday, June 1, according to the New York Daily News.

Nearly a year after the car crash that left Tracy Morgan, 46, critically injured, the actor and comedian is ready to tell his story of survival since the New Jersey Turnpike collision.

The comedian and actor will tell about his year-long journey after experiencing head trauma, broken ribs, and a broken leg when the limo in which he was riding was struck from behind by a Walmart truck. The accident also caused the death of his friend and mentor, James McNair, 63.

According to Entertainment Weekly, Tracy Morgan’s interview comes just days after Morgan reached a settlement with Walmart that is said to be an “amicable amount.” Don’t expect the amount to be disclosed during the interview, because the terms of the settlement are confidential, but the amount is believed to be substantial.

Morgan released a general statement about Walmart’s settlement.

“Walmart did right by me and my family and for my associates and their families. I am grateful that the case was resolved amicably.”

The 30 Rock actor spent a considerable amount of time in the hospital and in rehab. It is speculated that he might never work again. That’s probably why the settlement was so high: to compensate him for time he hasn’t been able to work and the possibility of him not working again.

Morgan’s lawyer, Benedict Morelli, has been very vocal about the injuries that his client sustained. He said Tracy realizes he came close to death. He related that the comedian may never fully recover or be the Tracy Morgan he once was.

Morelli will appear with Morgan on June 1, even though he already appeared on Thursday on the Today show ahead of Morgan to discuss Morgan’s condition and the settlement with Walmart. He said Morgan was very emotional after the settlement.

“The process is never easy. You know that Tracy was close to death, and Tracy tells me every time I see him that he has a new lease on life, and he’s very happy to have put the litigation behind him and have closure to this tragic part of his life.”

Morelli related that he and his client feel that Walmart did take full responsibility for the accident.

[Image via NBC]