Jenna Bush Hager Tearfully Apologizes for ‘Hidden Fences’ Error at the Golden Globes
On Sunday night’s Golden Globe Awards red carpet, NBC News correspondent Jenna Bush Hager made a blunder that had people on Twitter talking. While interviewing musician and producer Pharrell Williams during NBC’s pre-show about his nomination for best original score for Hidden Figures, Hager combined the title of the film with that of another nominated film at this year’s awards show, Fences. This resulted in Hager asking Pharrell about his work on “Hidden Fences,” a movie which certainly does not exist. Yikes.
Take a look at the moment—and the look on Pharell’s face—below.
“you’re nominated for Hidden Fences” pic.twitter.com/7My6dtEkbG
— Dave Itzkoff (@ditzkoff) January 9, 2017
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The Twitterverse did not take well to the awkward mix-up, as both films feature predominately African-American casts. Hager was accused of whitewashing, and many took it upon themselves to combine other film titles as the #HiddenFences hashtag trended.
On Monday morning, Hager held back tears while apologized for her mistake on the Today show, saying “When I was interviewing the incomparable Pharrell, who I adore, I accidentally in the electricity of the red carpet, which I have never done one before, called Hidden Figures, Hidden Fences.”
She also added, “I have seen both movies. I thought they were both brilliant. I’ve interviewed both casts from both of the movies, and if I offended people, I am deeply sorry.”
WATCH: “If I offended people, I am deeply sorry. It was a mistake… I am not perfect.” @JennaBushHager on Golden Globes red carpet mistake pic.twitter.com/0dOLPHuJCO
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) January 9, 2017
Al Roker came to Hager’s defense saying, “Honest mistakes happen in live television. This culture of Twitter waiting to pounce to get on people, it’s got to stop somewhere.” He then called out The New York Times‘ publication of the Twitter backlash towards Hager.
Hager wasn’t the only one to reference “Hidden Fences“ last night. Michael Keaton also uttered the incorrect title while presenting the nominees for Best Supporting Actress, which included Hidden Figures‘ Octavia Spencer and Fences star Viola Davis. Come on.
