Craig Melvin breaks his silence on Hoda Kotb’s departure from Today, revealing how the cast truly felt about the situation. Was there behind-the-scenes tension? Find out what really happened and how her exit impacted the show.

Craig Melvin Opens Up About Hoda Kotb’s Departure
Hoda Kotb’s sudden departure from Today took fans by surprise, but Craig Melvin’s latest revelations suggest that not everyone on the cast was caught off guard. In a candid discussion, Melvin claimed that his co-hosts knew about Kotb’s exit long before it happened and chose to remain silent. His remarks have sparked intense speculation about the dynamics within the Today team and whether there was more to her departure than initially reported.
Read more:
- Jenna Bush Hager revealed that former President George W. Bush gave her an 8-word piece of advice when she called him crying after learning that Hoda Kotb would be leaving “Today”: ‘Turns out he’s the one who made Hoda leave…’
- Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kotb revealed they got a “big surprise” after mentioning Wicked director Jon Chu while angrily criticizing the Golden Globe nomination oversight—it was a “block of gold”! “We didn’t think he was that generous!”
- Jenna Bush Hager joked that her son Hal is a ‘miserable little clown’ for having to face her husband every morning and go through this bizarre ritual before heading to school: ‘Henry seems to be channeling Tom Cruise to join Scientology…’
Melvin’s statement, “They’re fake—they knew it was coming, and not one of them had the courage to stand up for her,” has raised questions about loyalty and workplace politics behind the scenes. While Today has maintained a professional front, his words hint at underlying tensions that may have influenced Kotb’s exit.

Was Hoda Kotb’s Exit from Today Planned?
For years, Hoda Kotb was a beloved figure on Today, known for her warmth, charisma, and deep connection with viewers. Her departure left many wondering if the decision was mutual or if there were behind-the-scenes factors at play.
Read more:
- Al Roker shared that his daughter Leila “never ceases to amaze me” as he revealed she now has a “partner,” and it’s someone of the same gender!
- Savannah Guthrie said she felt somewhat ‘strange’ when Craig Melvin officially joined her as a co-host during the 7 and 8 a.m. time slots: ‘He’s not like Hoda, he’s too “over-the-top”..’
- Hoda Kotb said, ‘I’m so angry’ after learning that her co-stars threw another party without her after she left: ‘I’ll make them regret leaving someone who holds too many secrets out in the cold.’
Melvin’s comments suggest that Kotb’s exit wasn’t as sudden as it seemed. If the cast knew in advance, why did no one speak up? Was there internal pressure to stay quiet? These questions have fueled speculation among fans and media insiders, with many pointing to past reports of internal power struggles within the network.
While some insiders claim that Kotb’s departure was a personal choice, others believe that executives may have played a role in the decision. If true, this raises concerns about how Today handles transitions and whether loyalty among co-hosts is as strong as it appears on camera.

How the Today Cast Reacted to the News
Following Kotb’s exit, her former colleagues expressed their sadness and appreciation for her contributions to the show. However, Melvin’s remarks suggest that their public statements may not tell the whole story. If the cast truly knew about her departure in advance, their emotional tributes could be seen as insincere.
Melvin’s words also shed light on the pressures of working in a high-profile media environment. In an industry where decisions are often made behind closed doors, speaking out can come with risks. Did fear of backlash prevent the cast from supporting Kotb? Or was there a silent agreement to let the transition happen without resistance?
Despite the controversy, Kotb has remained graceful in her departure, focusing on her next chapter. She has yet to directly address Melvin’s claims, leaving fans eager for her perspective on the situation.
Craig Melvin’s revelations about Hoda Kotb’s departure from Today have left fans with more questions than answers. His statement challenges the public perception of unity among the cast and raises concerns about how the show handles internal changes.

As speculation continues, one thing is clear—Kotb’s absence is deeply felt by her loyal audience. Will she eventually speak out about her exit? And how will Today move forward amid the controversy? Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.