Kelly Rowland recently made headlines when she declined to answer questions about her controversial exit from the ‘Today’ show during an interview with Chicago’s WGN News. When reporter Dean Richards asked her to explain why she abruptly left the NBC morning show, Rowland simply stated, “No, because I’m so excited and delighted to be here to talk about the movie and nothing else.” She made it clear that she was there to promote her forthcoming Netflix drama, ‘Mea Culpa,’ and showed her appreciation for the ‘Today’ show and host Hoda Kotb.
The Dressing Room Incident
Although Rowland chose not to address the incident during the interview, reports from Page Six shed some light on the situation. It was revealed that Rowland and her team were unhappy with the dressing room provided to her on the show. This dissatisfaction led them to pull her off the ‘Today’ show, leaving Hoda Kotb without a guest host for the 10 a.m. hour. The decision surprised ‘Today’ show employees as Rowland is considered beloved on the show and was given a full hour to co-host.
In an attempt to rectify the situation, Rowland’s team allegedly inquired about using another dressing room that was upstairs. However, this room was already occupied by Jennifer Lopez, who was present to promote her new album and film project. After Rowland’s departure, Rita Ora was brought in to fill her co-hosting role for the show.
The incident prompted reactions from several stars, including former ‘Real Housewives of New York City’ star Bethenny Frankel. She expressed her opinion that Rowland had “diva expectations” and emphasized that being a co-host on the ‘Today’ show should be considered an honor, regardless of the dressing room conditions. On the other hand, Sherri Sheperd went out of her way to ensure Rowland’s comfort during an interview on her talk show by providing her with a “gorgeous” dressing room.
Kelly Rowland’s controversial ‘Today’ show exit serves as a reminder of the importance of professionalism and humility in high-pressure situations. While it is understandable for individuals to have certain expectations and preferences, it is crucial to remember the bigger picture and the opportunities that come with being a part of a well-respected platform like the ‘Today’ show. By handling disagreements and conflicts with grace and understanding, both parties can work towards a resolution that benefits everyone involved.