‘Today’ meteorologist Al Roker faces backlash as fans criticize his playful teasing of co-host Craig Melvin in BTS video
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: During a recent ‘Today’ episode, Al Roker took a jab at co-host Craig Melvin by mockingly portraying him in a new behind-the-scenes video, which has left fans less than thrilled.
Roker frequently shares glimpses from behind the scenes at the NBC studio with his Instagram followers, inundating them with a variety of backstage videos.
Even more recently, he once again let loose and playfully poked fun at Melvin, who was leisurely enjoying his popsicle.
In a recent and humorous video, Roker was dubbed as a ‘lunatic’ by his wife and ‘GMA’ alum, Deborah Roberts as the video featured the meteorologist dancing on his lawn to Elton John’s music.
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Why did Al Roker mock Craig Melvin?
On Wednesday, Craig Melvin, Al Roker, Sheinelle Jones, and Dylan Dreyer hosted a segment on the '3rd Hour' where they discussed Betty’s Icebox.
Reportedly, Roker met with the family behind Betty’s Icebox and went behind the scenes to hear their story and understand why their ice cream shop stands out from the average.
The clip showcased the behind-the-scenes area of Betty’s Icebox kitchen, then panned back to the hosts. The NBC hosts were presented with various flavors of ice cream, and each took their turn savoring it.
As the hosts enjoyed their ice creams, Melvin was playfully licking it off in an exaggerated manner, reminiscent of a five-year-old, much to the amusement of the producers who wasted no time capturing the moment.
After the segment, Roker took to his Instagram and posted an intimate video of Melvin stating his ‘melvin method’ for eating an ice pop.
He captioned the post, “To eat an ice pop, use the #melvinmethod Lick it to soften, then bite. Notice how he confuses the ice pop with lip balm. In the end, Craig’s like, “Who’s that?” Thanks, @zschiffman for the video #melvinmethod.”
Get the scoop on Betty’s Icebox! @alroker meets with the family behind the sweet treats to hear their story and learn why Betty’s Icebox isn’t your average ice cream shop 🍦 pic.twitter.com/DtDEI0wIKR
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) August 16, 2023
Fans label Al Roker as ‘mean’
Many fans expressed disappointment as Al Roker's playful jest at Craig Melvin's expense fell flat. While Roker’s Instagram video of Melvin’s "melvin method" garnered laughs, some fans felt it bordered on mockery.
Roker's attempt at humor garnered mixed reactions, with some viewers believing it was all in good fun while others expressed discomfort with the seemingly mocking portrayal of Melvin.
One fan wrote, “@alroker Criag is going to get you for this post! Lol!!” and another added, “Mean. Again to Craig.”
Another fan commented, “You are so wrong @alroker😂😂😩😩😩😭😭😭😭😭” Another fan said, “Paybacks are a B#tch @alroker 😂😂😂”
Other fans expressed their opinion on how Melvin would react after this video as one said, “Oh my goodness, Al Roker!!!! Poor Craig! 😂❤️ I have anxiety thinking about this payback. 😂” Another wrote, “Sleep w/ one eye open @alroker.”