An excruciatingly awkward moment unfolded during Tuesday's edition of Today With Jenna & Friends when host Jenna Bush Hager pressed guest Minka Kelly about her romantic life, leaving the actress visibly uncomfortable and scrambling for polite responses.
The Uncomfortable Exchange
Kelly, who appeared on the programme to promote her new Netflix romantic comedy Champagne Problems, found herself fielding unexpected questions about her relationship with Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds. The 45-year-old actress maintained her composure but her body language clearly indicated she wasn't pleased with the personal line of questioning.
Bush Hager, 43, attempted to draw parallels between Kelly's film and her real-life romance, stating: "Speaking about the holidays and love in this rom-com, you have a very big love in your life right now. Talk about your relationship if you feel comfortable."
The exchange quickly turned uncomfortable as Kelly offered brief, non-committal responses that suggested she had no intention of discussing her private life on national television.
Attempts to Salvage the Situation
Undeterred, Bush Hager referenced a recent social media post where Kelly had written about Reynolds, saying: "I think you posted this message saying he healed wounds he didn't inflict - that's beautiful."
Kelly responded with minimal enthusiasm, replying: "It is beautiful - I'm very lucky - he's a really good guy." The tepid nature of her answers finally prompted Bush Hager to acknowledge the elephant in the room, stating: "Sounds like you don't want to talk about it - that's fine."
Fellow guest host Olivia Munn stepped in to diffuse the tension by sharing positive experiences working with Reynolds on his 2021 music video for Cutthroat. "I love Dan - we did his music video - it was the first thing I did after COVID," Munn revealed. "I was actually pregnant, and no one had known yet ... he was so kind. I loved the whole band ... I'm really happy for you."
Relationship Background
Minka Kelly has previously been involved with several high-profile figures, including actors Chris Evans, Wilmer Valderrama and Jesse Williams, comedian Trevor Noah, singer John Mayer and baseball legend Derek Jeter.
Dan Reynolds separated from his wife of ten years, musician Aja Volkman, in 2022. The couple share four children together. At the time of their separation, Reynolds stated: "I am saddened to say that after many beautiful years together Aja and I have separated. Being great parents to our children is our number one priority."
The singer and Kelly were first spotted together in late 2022, enjoying dinner at Cafe Stella in Los Angeles, and were photographed attending an event in Las Vegas together in June 2024.
Kelly's new film Champagne Problems follows an executive who travels to France to secure a champagne brand acquisition, only to find her plans disrupted by a whirlwind romance with the founder's son - a storyline that unfortunately provided the springboard for the day's uncomfortable questioning.
