Fans of Today knew saying goodbye to Hoda Kotb and hello to Sheinelle Jones was going to be a big transition, especially for Jenna Bush Hager, but many fans did not expect there to be tension. According to insiders, Hager and Jones are beginning to clash a bit on set, and fans are starting to notice. Keep reading for more information.
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Tension During Latest 'Today' Episode
Late last month, Mumford & Sons appeared on 'Today' for a performance of some of their hits. After a few sons, Sheinelle admitted she hadn't been too familiar with the group initially, to which Jenna responded by suggesting she knew the musicians differently. In response, Sheinelle began sharing some seemingly behind-the-scenes details, saying, "Jenna decided to share with them..."
Jenna abruptly cut off her co-host with, "No, I didn't. No, I know what you mean, and we're not saying that. Remember? I got a text that said, 'Don't say that.'"
Though Sheinelle brushed it off with a lighthearted "Oops!" fans were quick to notice that the moment seemed charged, and took to social media to share their thoughts.
"Jenna is so fed up with her it's so obvious," one fan said, referring to Sheinelle.
"She's so over her," agreed another.
"Are we going to ignore the way Jenna snapped at Sheinelle?" asked another.
Jenna Bush Hager & Sheinelle Jones Clash Over Direction of 'Today'
Sources close to the issue have broken down what is causing this tension between the two co-hosts. "The fundamental difference is simple: Jenna sees the show as entertainment," an insider explained. "She wants big celebrities, authors, travel, fun experiences and the kind of warm, personality-driven television that makes viewers feel like they are sitting in the room with her."
"Sheinelle is a journalist," the source continued. "She wants to break news, ask tougher questions and bring more reporting into the hour." But Jenna's warm reputation and segments like "Read With Jenna" are what makes Today so successful, so Sheinelle's breaking news is unfortunately taking a backseat.
Part of this tension likely also comes from the very different paths the co-hosts took to get to where they are. While Jones has spent the better part of her career working her way up to a platform as big as Today, Hager swooped in with her famous father and easily landed her cushy role. "Sheinelle has had to fight for every seat at the table," a source explained. "Jenna was born at the table."
However, it doesn't sound like the producers want to make the final call. "If the producers have to pick a side, they will pick Jenna because she is best friends with Savannah Guthrie, and Savannah is the boss of NBC News," the insider added. "That would mean Sheinelle is moved, reassigned and ultimately pushed out." If the tension doesn't start to ease in the next few weeks, changes could ensue "before the end of the year," the source noted.
