A recent social media post by NBC’s ‘Today’ show has sparked significant backlash for its perceived insensitivity, coming during a distressing personal crisis for one of its own anchors.
The controversy centers on an Instagram video shared by the program on February 13. The clip featured co-host Sheinelle Jones receiving comfort from the mother of former Disney Channel star Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, following the death of Jones’s husband last year. The accompanying caption, which read “Nothing beats a mom hug,” has been widely criticized as poorly timed.
This is because fellow ‘Today’ anchor Savannah Guthrie is currently enduring an agonizing personal ordeal. Her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, was reported missing from her Arizona home on February 1. A widespread search involving family, local law enforcement, and the FBI has been underway for over two weeks. Authorities have disclosed finding blood evidence at Nancy’s residence and have released surveillance footage showing a masked, armed individual. A $100,000 reward has been offered for information, and while four persons of interest have been questioned, Nancy Guthrie’s whereabouts remain unknown.
The show’s post prompted immediate criticism from viewers and commentators alike. Many took to social media to label the message as “tone-deaf” and “unkind,” arguing it displayed a lack of awareness for Guthrie’s very public and painful situation. “To choose this caption… right now.. is ultimately unkind to those affected. And those affected just happen to be members of the Today family,” wrote one commenter.
The most pointed critique came from former NBC host Megyn Kelly, who published a blog post questioning the post’s timing. “She is suffering quite clearly, and this is what her colleagues do?” Kelly wrote, speculating on whether the move was a “despicable gaffe or an intentional” one. Kelly, who was dismissed from NBC in 2018, acknowledged a contentious history with the network but insisted the criticism was warranted given the circumstances.
Throughout the investigation, Savannah Guthrie has publicly shared her heartache. The day before the ‘Today’ show’s post, she uploaded a nostalgic childhood video of herself with her mother to Instagram, writing, “Our lovely mom. 💛we will never give up on her. Thank you for your prayers and hope.”
The incident has raised questions about editorial judgment and sensitivity within major network programming, highlighting the challenge of balancing standard promotional content with respect for the real-life tragedies affecting a show’s own team.