Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones addressed a behind-the-scenes mishap on the “Today” show Friday, August 28, during which a cameraman tripped while walking backward. The incident occurred as the hosts were introducing their segment “Today with Jenna & Sheinelle.”
A sound was heard in the background, and the camera appeared to wobble before cutting to a different angle. Jones initially giggled, and Bush Hager asked if the crew member was okay.
An unnamed man confirmed he was alright. Bush Hager then explained that a crew member had tripped out of shot, colliding with a stool. The camera panned to show the overturned stool.
"He was walking backwards. This is the hazard of the job. And he ran into that chair," Bush Hager said, noting that the shot had remained steady. The hosts and crew applauded the cameraman when he appeared on screen. Bush Hager praised him for keeping the camera steady despite the fall.
Bush Hager confirmed the cameraman was unharmed and stated her concern was for his well-being. Jones made a lighthearted comment about being ready to continue the show despite the incident.
"But anyway, it just shows you how hard our crew works around here every single day," Bush Hager added. "And they also put up with all of our antics, which are real annoying."
The incident occurred against a backdrop of other notable events involving the “Today” show. In June, an intruder breached the show's security and confronted co-host Craig Melvin. The man, later identified as Andrew Truelove, was detained and arrested, leading to implemented stricter security procedures.
Earlier this year, co-host Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy, was reportedly kidnapped from her Arizona home and has not been found. Ransom notes have been released, and Guthrie has made public appeals for information, with a reward exceeding $1 million available for details leading to answers in the case.