Let’s dive into the world of television drama, where even the most wholesome talk shows can stir up some controversy. Jenna Bush Hager, the beloved co-host of Today, didn’t hesitate to call out her colleagues for the second time in a month. On a November 9 episode of the show, Jenna openly criticized producers for attempting to "shame" her over past incidents of underage drinking.
Barbara Bush Joins Jenna in the Spotlight
That day, Jenna's twin sister, Barbara Bush, stepped in to co-host in place of Hoda Kotb. Together, they participated in a segment titled "First Loves," where they were asked to reveal their very first cocktail experiences. Now, you might think this is a fun, light-hearted question, but Jenna and Barbara saw it differently. They both sensed a deeper motive behind the producers' line of questioning.
Jenna’s Honest Take on the Matter
“I think they are trying to shame us for our underage drinking—minor in possession of alcohol,” Jenna bluntly stated. She continued, “I think this is shame coming from my own team.” It’s a bold statement, especially considering the usually friendly and supportive atmosphere of the show. Her sister Barbara chimed in, agreeing with Jenna, saying, “That was rude.” Despite their initial reactions, the duo decided to keep the segment rolling. Jenna admitted that her first cocktail was probably a “wine cooler” or “natty light,” showcasing her lighthearted humor despite the situation.
Read also:When Savannah Guthrie Asked Tom Hanks To Coanchor On Today
Growing Up in the Public Eye
For Jenna and Barbara, life in the spotlight began long before they joined Today. When their dad, George W. Bush, became the President of the United States in 2001, the twins found themselves under intense national scrutiny. Their college days were filled with headlines about underage drinking, but surprisingly, their father handled it all with surprising calmness. Jenna recalled a moment during an episode of Today in March 2020, where she spoke about how her dad supported her and her sister through it all.
“He apologized to me because what we wanted more than anything was to just be normal college kids,” Jenna shared. “So he always would say, ‘No, you can be normal, you can.’” This heartfelt memory reveals George W. Bush's desire to give his daughters the freedom to grow and make mistakes, even if it meant doing so in the public eye. Jenna added that her dad wanted to give them space to grow and learn from their experiences.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Jenna expressed admiration for her parents’ approach to parenting. They allowed her and Barbara to stumble and grow on their own terms, even if it meant facing public scrutiny. “While we were growing up, I for one had parents that let us fail, let us fall and publicly,” Jenna said. “And I always say to them now, ‘How brave of you,’ because it didn’t reflect great on them, either.”
Jenna’s Boldness on ‘Today’
As a regular viewer of Today, you know Jenna isn’t one to shy away from sharing her true feelings. Her candidness has become a hallmark of her presence on the show. Just last month, Jenna confronted Today producers again, this time over mom-shaming. She revealed during an October 12 broadcast that she still allows her 4-year-old son, Hal, to sleep in a crib, sparking some raised eyebrows among her co-stars and crew members.
“At some point, do I need to move him out?” Jenna asked Hoda, who couldn’t hide her surprise. Jenna then turned to the camera, seeking reassurance from the audience at home, “Ya’ll, it’s normal, right?” However, crew members behind the scenes weren’t so quick to agree, shouting “No” from off-screen. Jenna, ever the quick-witted host, wasn’t having it. She fired back, “I wasn’t even asking you!”
