Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin, Al Roker, and Hoda Kotb were completely immersed in caroling and enjoying themselves at NBC’s annual Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting in New York City on Wednesday, seemingly unaware of any rumored backstage drama.
An insider shared with Page Six, “No one had more fun than Savannah, Hoda, Craig, and Al.” However, not everyone experienced the same festive spirit. Rapper Flavor Flav, 65, took to X (formerly Twitter) in a post that was later deleted, expressing his dismay. He wrote, “I feel weird…
Enthusiasm overflows as NBC stars enjoy carols and Christmas cheer in Rockefeller
I was invited to the Rockefeller Tree Lighting tonight, and I was escorted to see my boys… THE BACKSTREET BOYS… we were backstage in their dressing room… security came up to me and said: @nbc Does not want me in this area and I need to leave… What did I ever do to NBC or anyone… all I ever do is try to spread joy and love… and I think I did that for NBC at the Olympics.”
According to a network source, Flav’s appearance was unplanned, and security was simply following protocol. The already heightened security at the event had been further intensified after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was tragically shot just blocks away from the venue earlier that day.
TMZ reported that security asked the Public Enemy rapper to leave once they realized he wasn’t authorized to be in the area. Interestingly, had the “Today” hosts been aware of the situation, they likely would have invited him to join their lively celebration.
The anchors, it seems, were having the time of their lives, completely oblivious to any controversy. “They never saw him,” a source revealed to Page Six. Instead, Guthrie, Kotb, and Roker were seen enthusiastically singing along to Thalia’s performance of “I Wanna Wish You a Merry Christmas.”
Melvin, recently announced as a “Today” anchor, surprised everyone with his unexpected deep baritone as he joined in the singing, according to an insider. When not caught up in musical festivities, the hosts indulged in delicious bites.
Their evening began with a champagne toast alongside their assistants and glam teams. Between live segments, they gathered at 5 Acres restaurant to enjoy French fries, Coke, and a touch of wine and spirits. Little Big Town even stopped by to mingle between their performances.
Despite the hiccup involving Flavor Flav, the buzz around 30 Rock suggests hope that he’ll return next year and join the holiday festivities. Both NBC and Flav declined to comment on the incident.
