Jenna Bush Hager has come under fire after comments she made on her show about men wearing Speedos ignited a body-shaming controversy. The episode of “Today with Jenna & Friends” featured a discussion about an NYC dad, Tyler Moore, who championed dads wearing Speedos to normalize body positivity. However, Jenna’s remarks about “hairy man thighs” and expressing shock if her husband wore a Speedo were perceived as critical and dismissive, sparking backlash.
The Controversial Comments on National TV
During a segment titled "The Internet’s Divided," Jenna Bush Hager and guest co-host Dwyane Wade discussed Tyler Moore, a New York City public school teacher and social media figure known as Tidy Dad. Moore had been advocating for dads to embrace wearing Speedos as a celebration of body confidence. Hager remarked, "If my husband brought out a Speedo, I’d be shocked," and added, "And by the way, a man thigh?" to which Wade responded by saying, "A hairy man thigh, nobody wants to see that." These comments suggested a negative view of men wearing Speedos, particularly focusing on body hair, an aspect that prompted criticism from viewers and Moore himself.
The remarks implied a standard of appearance that some saw as body shaming on national television, especially given the context of celebrating inclusivity and body positivity. Jenna’s disapproval was further highlighted when she differentiated Moore from the so-called "model dad" look, emphasizing contrast rather than acceptance.
Tyler Moore Speaks Out Against Body Shaming
Tyler Moore publicly addressed the incident on his Threads social media account, condemning the discussion as a "surreal experience" of having his body "publicly discussed and shamed on national television." He expressed disappointment in the way his choice to wear a Speedo during swimming activities was critiqued, suggesting it perpetuated negative judgments about men’s bodies. Moore, who had previously appeared on the “Today” show to share home organization tips, used the platform to push back against the body shaming and called out the comments directly.
He engaged with fans and followers to highlight how such judgments affect men’s confidence and the broader dialogue about body acceptance, seeking to reinforce that men should feel free to wear what makes them comfortable without fear of criticism or ridicule.
Broader Implications and Public Reaction
The incident reignited conversations about body positivity, especially regarding men’s bodies, which are often underrepresented in these discussions. Some viewers think that Jenna Bush Hager’s comments reflect a common but problematic tendency to police men’s appearances and sustain narrow beauty standards. Others suggested the host’s remarks were simply personal preferences expressed in a lighthearted discussion but acknowledged the importance of being mindful when talking about bodies on public platforms.
This situation underscores the complex line media personalities must tread between personal opinion and societal impact. In an era where inclusivity and body acceptance are increasingly championed, even casual remarks about physical traits can spark significant public debate—and potential backlash—highlighting the evolving expectations for respectful dialogue on television.
The controversy remains a talking point among audiences, as debates around body shaming, especially related to men’s swimwear and body hair, continue to develop in the media landscape.