Al Roker Sparks Outrage on Today Show Over Controversial Nickname for Jenna Bush Hager

Al Roker, a veteran broadcaster on the Today show, recently caused a stir among his colleagues with a nickname he used for co-host Jenna Bush Hager. The incident occurred earlier this week when Roker, 72, greeted Hager, 44, as "Big Red" as she walked onto the set wearing a red outfit.

Co-hosts Sheinelle Jones and Savannah Guthrie immediately reacted, expressing their disbelief and correcting Roker. Hager recounted the moment on Thursday's "Today with Jenna & Sheinelle," explaining that "all the girls were like, 'No, no! Don't say that!'" Jones recalled Guthrie saying, "Oh my God, I can't believe you said that." Roker, initially unaware of the issue, asked, "What did I do?" Hager and Jones then explained the problem with the nickname. "You can't say anything that takes up space," Jones told Roker. Hager added, "You can't call somebody, a woman 'big!'"

Attempts at alternative nicknames also proved unsuccessful. Hager recalled Roker then suggesting "Tall Red," which she also found inappropriate. This exchange highlights a broader conversation about language and perception, particularly concerning body image and size.

Hager previously mentioned that her own children had been using nicknames like "Biggie" or "Big Back" for her. While she initially found the terms creative, she expressed concern about the potential for such phrases to spread.

The incident with Hager's nickname follows a separate on-air moment just days prior when Roker appeared momentarily flustered. During a weather report segment, Roker's microphone was not functioning, leading to a brief period of muffled audio. As co-hosts Savannah Guthrie and Carson Daly offered assistance, Daly eventually approached Roker and gave him a large hug while trying to help him fix his equipment. Roker, after resolving the technical issue, described the encounter as "awkward."