HomeCelebrity NewsTamron Hall Claims NBC Fired Her from Today Show for Her ‘Look’...
Tamron Hall Claims NBC Fired Her from Today Show for Her ‘Look’ Despite Record Ratings
In a candid and revealing appearance on Samantha Chatman’s podcast, I Made It Mama, former Today show host Tamron Hall opened up about the disheartening reason behind her abrupt departure from NBC in 2017. The veteran journalist, who co-anchored the iconic morning show from 2014 to 2017, claimed that she was let go not for her performance but for her “look,” despite having driven the show to some of its highest ratings. This revelation has sparked outrage among fans, who have long admired Hall’s talent, professionalism, and trailblazing presence on television.
Tamron Hall, now 54, made history as the first African-American woman to co-anchor Today alongside Natalie Morales, Al Roker, and Willie Geist. During her tenure, she became a beloved figure, known for her sharp journalism and warm on-screen presence. Hall also hosted Today’s Take, the show’s third hour, which saw a significant boost in viewership under her leadership. Her contributions were undeniable, with accolades, awards, and even Daytime Emmy nominations underscoring her impact. Yet, despite these achievements, Hall’s time at Today came to an unceremonious end.
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Recounting the painful moment she learned of her dismissal, Hall shared that she was in Chicago when she turned on the television and saw NBC announce her replacement. “I was actually in Chicago, and I turned on the TV, and they revealed they were hiring someone else,” she said on the podcast. The shock of the announcement prompted her to fly to New York immediately to meet with NBC executives in a bid to save her position. Hall passionately presented her case, highlighting the record-high ratings and the success of Today’s Take. However, her efforts were met with indifference. “I watched this man’s eyes glaze over. He wasn’t listening to me,” she recalled. “He kept making excuses.”
Hall’s claim that NBC’s decision was based on her “look” rather than her performance has struck a chord with fans and industry watchers alike. “They had determined they wanted a different look for that spot, and I wasn’t that look,” she stated, pointing to a troubling emphasis on appearance over merit. This revelation raises questions about the network’s priorities and the challenges faced by women, particularly women of color, in the media industry. Hall’s historic role as a co-anchor made her a role model for many, and her dismissal for such a superficial reason has left supporters furious, with many taking to social media to express their disappointment and call for greater accountability from networks like NBC.
Despite the setback, Hall’s resilience has shone through. After leaving Today, she went on to launch The Tamron Hall Show, a syndicated daytime talk show that premiered in 2019 and is now entering its seventh season. The show has been a resounding success, earning two Daytime Emmy Awards and numerous nominations. Hall’s ability to transform a career challenge into a triumph is a testament to her talent and determination. “While the news might’ve been devastating at the time, it turned out to be for the best,” she reflected, showcasing her ability to rise above adversity.
Before her time at Today, Hall worked as a national news correspondent for NBC and MSNBC, where she also hosted MSNBC Live with Tamron Hall. Her extensive career has been marked by a commitment to journalism and storytelling, qualities that continue to define her work today. The outpouring of support from fans following her podcast revelations underscores the impact she has had on audiences worldwide. For many, Tamron Hall’s story is not just one of overcoming professional setbacks but also a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and authenticity in the face of unfair treatment.
