NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: During a recent episode of 'Today with Hoda and Jenna,' Jenna Bush Hager celebrated her youngest son, Hal's fourth birthday. However, a comment to her son received strong criticism from 'Today' fans, who deemed it inappropriate and gross for a 4-year-old.
Happy Birthday, Hal!
On Wednesday, August 2, Hoda Kotb kicked off the show by revealing that it was a big day for Hager as it was her youngest son, Hal’s birthday. Kotb said, "Speaking of joy and celebration, it’s a great day in the Hager house," when Hager interrupted Kotb saying, "Happy birthday Hal," and Kotb exclaimed, "He cannot be 4."
Hager then went on to share the background story of his name as they showed intimate glimpses of the host with Hal. She stated, "He is 4 years old. His name is Henry Harold, named after Grandpa Harold Welch. And he was born…and look at this, at 9:02, August the 2nd, an hour ago, Hal came into our little family." To this Kotb excitingly added, "And you have had Hal for an hour." Hager continued sharing about the day when Hal, and said, "I had him for an hour. And my sister arrived with tacos and donuts and then the nurse said I wasn’t allowed to eat breakfast tacos and donuts because I had a C-section. But yeah, that little boy."
Kotb was seen sharing Hager's awe as the latter expressed, "I can’t believe it’s been four years. I Facetimed him this morning, I said, ‘Do you know that in one hour, four years ago, you were cut out of my tummy? And he goes, cut out of your tummy?'." The 'Today' co-host concluded the segment by saying, "We’re gonna celebrate and I can’t wait to get home."
'He's traumatized by it'
While it was a sweet gesture by Hager to talk about Hal’s birth with him, 'Today' fans might not have taken it well as many flooded to the Instagram post shared by the show's official page to voice their opinions. One wrote, "Why would anyone say that to a 4-year-old?" while another added, "A little to graphic for a 4 year old. Happy Birthday Hal." Others had a similar opinion as one commented, "He may be traumatized for life!" and one more stated, "It’s a little much for a 4 year old. Love the pictures of your family!" "Not something they need to know at that age," opined one, with another adding, "Why didn’t you say he was born instead of cut out of your tummy. That’s ignorant."
