Today” Show Fans React to Savannah Guthrie’s Absence and Controversial Interview

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Viewers of NBC’s Today show were caught off guard recently when longtime co-host Savannah Guthrie was notably absent from the morning program. Filling in for her was Craig Melvin, alongside co-host Hoda Kotb, who briefly addressed Guthrie’s whereabouts without delving into specifics. So, where was Savannah Guthrie, and why did her absence spark such a buzz?

The reason, as it turns out, was that Guthrie was on a book tour promoting her latest release, “Mostly What God Does: Reflections on Seeking and Finding His Love Everywhere.” The day before, she had stopped in Texas, where she received high-profile support from none other than former First Lady Laura Bush and President George W. Bush. It was a remarkable start to her tour, leaving fans with plenty to talk about.

However, not all discussions surrounding Guthrie were positive. While some celebrated her achievements, others were still reeling from an interview she conducted shortly before leaving for her book tour. The interview in question featured actress and singer Kelly Rowland, who appeared on Today to promote her new Netflix movie, “Mea Culpa.” While the segment initially centered on Rowland’s work, it quickly veered off course when Guthrie brought up Rowland’s longtime friend and fellow Destiny’s Child member, Beyoncé.

For many fans, Guthrie’s repeated references to Beyoncé during the interview felt intrusive and inappropriate, especially since Rowland was there to discuss her own project. One viewer expressed frustration on social media, saying, “Very disrespectful to ask [Rowland] about Beyoncé every freaking time she comes on your show.”

The backlash didn’t stop there. Critics accused Guthrie of focusing too much on Rowland’s personal connections rather than her professional achievements. Fans pointed out that Guthrie appeared more interested in prying into Rowland’s relationship with Beyoncé than discussing the themes of the movie she was promoting.

This isn’t the first time a public figure has faced criticism for seemingly off-topic or invasive interview questions, but the incident reignited debates about journalistic ethics and the importance of respecting boundaries during interviews. Many viewers felt that Guthrie’s line of questioning detracted from Rowland’s moment to shine, reducing her to just “Beyoncé’s friend” rather than celebrating her as an artist in her own right.

While it’s still up for debate whether Guthrie’s questions were intentionally disrespectful, one thing is clear: a significant portion of the Today show’s audience was dissatisfied with how the interview was handled. Discussions on social media have centered on the role of interviewers in creating a supportive environment for their guests, especially when those guests are there to promote specific projects.

Guthrie’s absence from the show, coinciding with this wave of criticism, has led some viewers to wonder if the two events are connected. However, NBC has made no official comment suggesting any link between the backlash and her book tour schedule. Still, her departure during a turbulent moment has left fans speculating about how the show might address the controversy in her absence—and what it might mean for her future on the program.

Meanwhile, Guthrie’s supporters argue that the criticism is unwarranted, pointing out that Beyoncé’s name is almost synonymous with Kelly Rowland due to their shared history in Destiny’s Child. They see no harm in Guthrie mentioning the superstar, especially in a casual context. Yet, even some of Guthrie’s defenders admit that the timing and frequency of such questions could have been better managed to avoid overshadowing Rowland’s movie promotion.

The situation underscores a larger cultural conversation about the fine line between casual conversation and disrespect in public interviews. For celebrities, especially those tied to larger-than-life figures like Beyoncé, navigating these interactions can be challenging. Fans expect interviewers to strike a balance—acknowledging the guest’s connections without diminishing their individual accomplishments.

As Guthrie continues her book tour, fans are eagerly awaiting her return to the Today show. Whether or not the program will address the fallout from the Rowland interview remains uncertain. What is clear is that Guthrie’s next steps will be closely watched—not just by her critics but by her loyal audience as well.

If you missed the controversial interview, check it out in the video below and decide for yourself: were Guthrie’s questions crossing the line, or were they simply misinterpreted by an overly critical audience? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or on social media.

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