Veteran Today show weatherman Al Roker sparked a reaction among his colleagues after giving co-host Jenna Bush Hager an unexpected nickname based on her appearance.
The incident was discussed during Thursday’s episode of Today with Jenna & Sheinelle, when Hager, 44, recalled walking onto the set wearing red earlier in the week.
According to Hager, Roker greeted her by saying, “Hey, Big Red!”
The comment prompted an immediate reaction from the women on set, with Hager and her colleagues later recounting the exchange during the programme.
Co-Hosts Explain Why the Nickname Caused a Stir
Sheinelle Jones, 48, recalled how the female presenters reacted when Roker used the nickname.
“And all the girls were like, ‘No, no! Don’t say that!’” Jones said, laughing as she recreated their response.
Jones explained that Roker initially appeared confused about why his remark had caused such a reaction.
“Savannah [Guthrie] was like, ‘Oh my God, I can’t believe you said that,’” Jones recalled.
She added that Roker then turned to her and asked, “What did I do?”
Jones said she explained that comments referring to a woman as “big” could be inappropriate.
“You can’t say anything that takes up space,” she told him.
Hager also joined the discussion, saying: “You can’t call somebody, a woman ‘big!’”
Roker’s Attempt to Correct the Nickname Falls Flat
After being told that “Big Red” was not an appropriate nickname, Roker reportedly tried to come up with an alternative.
Jones suggested “Skinny Red”, but Hager recalled that the weatherman then offered another option.
“He was like, ‘Sorry, Tall Red!’” Hager said.
She responded that the revised nickname was also unacceptable.
The exchange became a topic of conversation among the hosts during Thursday’s programme as they revisited the misunderstanding from earlier in the week.
Hager Previously Discussed Family Nicknames
Hager has previously spoken about similar nicknames used by her children, Mila, 13, Poppy, 11, and Hal, seven, whom she shares with her husband, Henry Hager.
In May, she said her children had called her “Biggie” or “Big Back”.
“I like humor in words, so I was like, ‘Oh, that’s creative.’ But I’m like, ‘Stop calling everybody Biggie. It’s gonna spread,’” she said at the time.
Her comments about the family nicknames came several months before the exchange with Roker was discussed on the show.
Carson Daly’s On-Air Interaction With Roker Also Attracted Attention
The discussion followed another awkward moment involving Roker during Monday’s Today broadcast.
The 72-year-old was preparing to deliver the weather report when he encountered a microphone problem after Guthrie handed over to him. Jones was also present, filling in for Craig Melvin, alongside Carson Daly.
Roker attempted to respond to the introduction, but his reply was muffled as he realised that his microphone was not working properly.
He reached into his back pocket to check his microphone pack while his colleagues offered suggestions on how to resolve the problem.
“Just click it, push ‘on,’” Jones advised, while Guthrie suggested that he speak more loudly.
Daly Gives Roker an Unexpected Bear Hug
As Roker worked to fix his microphone, Daly offered him his own microphone from off camera.
Roker appeared to resolve the technical issue before Daly came into view and wrapped him in a prolonged bear hug.
“Oooh baby,” Roker said during the embrace.
Daly eventually released him, but Roker appeared momentarily lost for words before letting out a nervous laugh.
“That was… that was awkward,” Roker said before continuing with the weather segment.
The moment added to the recent on-air exchanges involving Roker and his Today show colleagues.
