Megyn Kelly Condemns NBC's Today Show Over 'Mom Hug' Instagram Post
Former television host Megyn Kelly has launched a scathing criticism of NBC's Today show following an Instagram post that declared "Nothing beats a mom hug" while star anchor Savannah Guthrie's mother remains missing. Kelly, aged 55, highlighted the controversial post on Friday, which appeared on the official Today with Jenna & Sheinelle Instagram account.
Controversial Social Media Post Sparks Outrage
The Instagram post in question featured a video clip showing Today host Sheinelle Jones embracing actress Adrienne Bailon-Houghton's mother after an interview segment. The accompanying caption explained that Bailon-Houghton's mother had comforted Jones following the death of her husband, Uche Ojeh, from cancer in May 2025 at age 49.
While many viewers expressed sympathy for Jones's personal loss, Kelly and numerous others found the timing particularly insensitive given the ongoing search for Guthrie's missing mother, Nancy Guthrie. "She is suffering quite clearly, and this is what her colleagues do? 'Nothing beats a mom hug,'" Kelly wrote on her personal blog, questioning whether the post represented a "despicable gaffe or an intentional move."
Viewer Backlash and Timing Concerns
Kelly acknowledged her personal bias against the Today show, having been dismissed from the program in 2018, but her criticism was echoed by multiple viewers who found the post inappropriate. One commenter under the Instagram post, identified as nyc_bethany, wrote: "I feel like this is a very poorly worded caption, given that Savannah's mom is still missing."
Another viewer, Melissaatx, responded: "I agree. Take the personal nature of this specific story out of it. A mom in her 80's is missing, possibly hurt or worse. The world is bursting with positive stories. To choose this caption... right now... is tone deaf and ultimately unkind to those affected. And those affected just happen to be members of the Today family."
Denise Tetrault Vincent added: "Not the time for this post with what poor Savannah is going through! We all love our mom's love and support but save the post for another day." The Daily Mail has reached out to NBC News for comment regarding the controversy.
Savannah Guthrie's Personal Crisis
The network's Instagram post came shortly after Savannah Guthrie released her own heartfelt video on Friday, featuring nostalgic clips showing her with her mother during childhood. The emotional montage concluded with a black-and-white photograph of a young Nancy Guthrie with her three children.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen two weeks ago on the evening of Saturday, January 31, after her son-in-law Tommaso Cioni drove her home following a family dinner in Tucson, Arizona. She was reported missing by concerned church friends the following morning, prompting an extensive search operation.
Savannah Guthrie has been absent from the Today show since her mother's disappearance and has shared three separate video messages pleading for information regarding her mother's whereabouts. The Today program has consistently featured the abduction case as its top story each morning, with hosts regularly expressing support and best wishes for Guthrie and her family.
Ongoing Investigation Developments
Law enforcement agencies continue their intensive search for Nancy Guthrie. On Friday night, the Pima County Sheriff's Office conducted a raid on a house in Tucson, while the FBI performed a nearby traffic stop. Both operations were connected to the investigation into Nancy's abduction, though neither resulted in any arrests.
On Wednesday, February 10, the FBI released disturbing surveillance footage showing a figure wearing a ski mask and black nitrile gloves arriving at Nancy Guthrie's door on the night of her disappearance. Investigators have confirmed they currently have no suspects in the case and emphasized that Nancy requires essential heart medication to remain alive.
No arrests have been made to date, and ransom notes received earlier this month have not been verified by authorities. The search continues as concerns grow regarding Nancy Guthrie's wellbeing and the appropriateness of media coverage during such sensitive family crises.
