NBC insiders shame Savannah Guthrie colleague over behavior
Despite an outward show of unity at NBC studios for devastated Savannah Guthrie, behind the scenes tensions are rising over how much 'empathy' certain TV stars are choosing to display, the Daily Mail can reveal.
Staff and hosts at Guthrie's Today show in particular have been wearing yellow ribbons on air to support Savannah, 54, as the search for her missing mother Nancy, 84, enters its fourth week.
The yellow matches flowers that have been placed outside Nancy's home and ribbons that neighbors have tied to mailboxes in Tucson, Arizona, as a symbol of hope for the local community after her shock kidnapping.
But the simple show of solidarity in the newsroom has now turned sour.
'It started as something beautiful,' one NBC staffer told the Daily Mail. 'But now people are watching who's participating — and who isn't.'
Ribbon Row Sparks Quiet Tensions at Today Show
Today show stars Hoda Kotb, Craig Melvin, Carson Daly, Al Roker, Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones have all been wearing the ribbons. But NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Llamas has, it seems, chosen not to.
'That didn't go unnoticed,' one insider said. 'When everyone else is wearing one, the absence becomes louder than the symbol.'
Bosses are desperate to give off the impression of unwavering support for Savannah, especially after the knives were out for the star following her time off for vocal cord surgery last year.
But sources have urged caution over reading too much into the situation, claiming that not every wardrobe decision is political despite the optics - adding that there is not an 'enforcement' regarding the ribbons.
'In a moment like this, symbolism is everything,' another staffer says. 'If you're not visibly with the team, people start asking why.'
'No one is accusing anyone of lacking compassion,' a producer added. 'But in a high-profile newsroom built on image and unity, even small gestures can carry weight.
'The ribbons were meant to bring everyone together. Instead, they've exposed how closely people are watching.'
NBC Prepares Obituary as Search Intensifies
The controversy over the ribbons also comes as an editor at NBC has quietly been working on Nancy's obituary - a sign that, despite network-wide hopes for her safe return, practical decisions have to be made.
A source confirmed to the Daily Mail that bosses want the obit segment 'ready to go' in case of any 'heartbreaking' developments.
As the search for Nancy enters its fourth week, many have started speculating how long law enforcement will pour their efforts into the case.
As the Daily Mail previously reported, Savannah is considering never returning to the Today show as she grapples with her mother's disappearance.
But one insider said there is a question over when Savannah, and her husband who flew in to be with her last week, will choose to return to New York.
'It's been several weeks now, and the children aren't with her, they aren't really any closer to knowing what happened to Nancy', the insider said.
'A lot of people are wondering when is the time for Savannah to head home, even if it isn't to return to work.
Concerns Grow for Savannah as Search Continues
'She has a great support network, but everyone is worried about her. The light in her eyes was gone in the latest video she posted.'
For now, Savannah remains with her family members in Arizona as they navigate the ongoing investigation into Nancy's disappearance.
This follows news that genetic genealogy will be used to trace any DNA inside Nancy's home - with one expert confidently stating that 'he will be identified' with the new technology and that the suspect ought to be concerned 'right now.'
Savannah has not publicly commented on her future as an anchor, a position she has held since 2012.
Hoda Kotb returned to the show to fill Savannah's absence, but the network hasn't made any permanent moves to replace their long-time host - despite Kotb making noises that she wants take the helm.
The Daily Mail has reached out to NBC for comment.
