The former Destiny's Child singer dodges a question about reports that she walked out of the morning talk show's set due to the dressing room during her appearance on Chicago's WGN News.
- Feb 23, 2024
AceShowbiz - Kelly Rowland isn't interested in personally addressing the controversy surrounding her supposed appearance on "Today". The former Destiny's Child singer dodged a question about the matter during her appearance on Chicago's WGN News on Wednesday, February 21.
During the episode, reporter Dean Richards asked if Kelly wanted to explain why she abruptly exited the NBC morning show last week. The singer/actress replied, "No, because I'm so excited and delighted to be here to talk about the movie and nothing else," referring to her upcoming Netflix movie "Mea Culpa".
Despite that, the 43-year-old noted that she has no hard feelings for "Today" and its host Hoda Kotb. "I love the 'Today' show, love Hoda and that is it," Kelly added.
While Kelly refused to talk about the controversy, "Today" co-hosts Savannah Guthrie, Hoda and Jenna Bush Hager addressed reports that Kelly walked off the set because she wasn't happy with the dressing room. "What can I say? Yes, our dressing rooms need a little TLC," Savannah told PEOPLE on Wednesday at the New York City launch party for her collection of essays, "Mostly What God Does".
She admitted that she "totally get[s]" Kelly's decision, though she noted the "historic studio has been around for 70-plus years" at 30 Rockefeller Plaza and it's "not that easy to renovate." She continued, "I hope for what we lack in green room decor, we make up for in the warmth and gratitude we have for the guests who come on because it means a lot to us."
Hoda, on the other hand, revealed that she's "been texting back and forth with Kelly and having a couple of phone calls." She added, "I love her. I think she's one of the gentlest, kindest people that we've met. … Whatever the snafu was with the dressing room, we want to delete, delete, delete. And then, we want her to come back."
Jenna also said that despite the drama, Kelly is welcome to appear on the show as long as she's willing. "She's invited whenever," she shared. "And our dressing rooms do need work."
Recently, a report claimed that what upset Kelly wasn't the small dressing room, but the disrespectful questions by Savannah. "Kelly was offended that Savannah repeatedly and aggressively asked her about [Beyonce Knowles]," the insider told the outlet. "Kelly was upset about Savannah's aggressive questioning about Beyonce. She and her team were not happy and felt disrespected." Kelly and her team allegedly avoided an interview that involved questions about Beyonce and Destiny's Child as "she wants to leave that behind" and move on.
However, TMZ denied the claims. The news outlet stated that Kelly and her team complained about the dressing room which was notoriously "dumpy, glorified closets." As the other room was taken by Jennifer Lopez, the staff offered a few options but the singer liked none of them. Eventually, Kelly and her team announced to the staff 7 minutes before air, "We're gonna leave."
