Home / Arts and Entertainment / Roker's 'Big Red' Remark Sparks Debate
Roker's 'Big Red' Remark Sparks Debate
22 Oct
Summary
- Al Roker nicknamed Jenna Bush Hager 'Big Red' for her outfit.
- The comment was deemed inappropriate, with 'Biggie' as another example.
- Bush Hager's children also call her 'Biggie' at home.
Jenna Bush Hager shared an anecdote about Al Roker giving her the nickname 'Big Red' due to her wearing a red outfit. The remark, made earlier in the week of October 20, 2026, was met with immediate criticism from other women on set, who found the term offensive. Colleagues like Savannah Guthrie pointed out that Roker shouldn't use terms that take up space or focus on a woman's size.
Bush Hager strongly agreed, emphasizing that calling a woman 'big' is unacceptable. A suggestion of 'Skinny Red' was offered as an alternative. Roker then proposed other nicknames such as 'Tall Red,' which were also dismissed. This situation echoes Bush Hager's own experience at home, where her children call her 'Biggie,' a nickname she dislikes and worries they might use inappropriately in public settings.
