Former Destiny’s Child singer LaTavia Roberson and many more celebrities are reacting to and defending Kelly Rowland with her recent dressing room drama at the ‘TODAY‘ show. In her defense, Roberson noted that this wouldn’t be an issue for someone like Taylor Swift.
Previously, we shared a post by Page Six reporting that on Thursday morning (February 15), the R&B singer and actress was scheduled as a guest on the 8 a.m. hour of ‘TODAY,’ where she promoted her Tyler Perry-produced Netflix film ‘Mea Culpa,’ in which she stars and is also a producer. Rowland was then expected to fill in as a guest host for Jenna Bush Hager in the fourth hour (10 a.m.) for her segment with Hoda Kotb, ‘TODAY with Hoda & Jenna.’
RELATED: Kelly Rowland Allegedly Walked Off The ‘Today’ Show Due To Her Dressing Room Not Being Up To Par
However, before filling in as guest host, the Destiny’s Child alum suddenly dropped out and walked off the set “because her dressing room wasn’t up to par,” per Page Six. The outlet reported that a larger dressing room on the floor above was occupied by singer and actress Jennifer Lopez, who arrived at the studio ahead of Rowland to promote her new album, ‘This Is Me… Now‘ and accompanying visual album, ‘This Is Me… Now: The Greatest Love Story Never Told.’
After Rowland’s abrupt exit, Kotb was left scrambling to find a last-minute replacement, which ended up being singer Rita Ora, who reportedly happily volunteered to host and occupy a dressing room similar to the one briefly used by Rowland.
RELATED: Bethenny Frankel Slams Kelly Rowland For ‘Diva Expectations’ After Singer Walked Off ‘TODAY’ Show Set Over Dressing Room Issues
It’s reported that the dressing rooms at ‘TODAY‘ are known to be some of the smallest in the TV industry and often jokingly referred to as “glorified closets.” A source claimed, “They’re not nice. It’s the oldest building. There are major space limitations, [it’s] not glamorous. It’s not fresh flowers, and candles, and gourmet food. It’s basically [a] white box.”
With this in mind, it’s reported that producers offered Rowland several other options, including various talent dressing rooms and other areas to fit makeup and hair set-ups. The source added, “They didn’t want that. [The show] basically offered up as much as possible, but they weren’t happy with it, so they walked and they left.”
RELATED: Kelly Rowland ‘Proud’ Of JAY-Z Calling Out Grammys Over Beyoncé’s Lack Of Best Album Wins
Reacting in a since-deleted TikTok, former ‘Real Housewives of New York City‘ star Bethenny Frankel slammed Rowland. She said, “I’ve co-hosted with Hoda [Kotb] and I’ve arrived there and the makeup area that you touch up in is often a drop cloth, like, a black drop off. And then your dressing room is the size of a closet and you’re trying to fit all your people in the clown car. And you know what? You’re so excited. You’re so gracious. You’re co-hosting on the ‘TODAY’ show, an institution in entertainment, a news organization that is not about fancy dressing rooms.”
Frankel also confirmed herself that the makeup area at ‘TODAY‘ “is completely communal,” and added that the food isn’t that great either. However, she said it should be “an honor” to just be present and hosting with Kotb. Frankel added, “That was not the moment for diva expectations.”
RELATED: Beyoncé Shows Love To Kelly Rowland At NYC Premiere For Her New Film ‘Mea Culpa,’ Says: ‘Dats My Best Friend!!!!!!’
Taking to the comment section under Hollywood Unlocked‘s post on Instagram, Destiny’s Child alum LaTavia Roberson defended Kelly Rowland and mentioned Taylor Swift.
The former Destiny’s Child singer said, “Would they tell Taylor [Swift] to just deal with it? Would they tell Blake Lively to deal with it? Would they tell Julia Roberts to deal with it? NOPE, we have to stop allowing others to tell us what we can & CAN’T deal with in this industry. I know I’m not out there like the rest of the girls but I know for a fact that as an artist you expect your environment to be what you request, that’s why we have riders and I know Kelly gave them ppl a rider before stepping foot into that building!”
Joining LaTavia Roberson, comedian and former host of ‘The Real‘ Loni Love also commented on HU’s post and said, “Problem seems that Today booked both Jlo & Kelly for the 1st hour AND 4th hour… difference is Kelly was co-hosting the 4th hour & Jlo was a guest on the 4th hour Soooo Kelly should have gotten the larger dressing room.. (she was doing the entire show versus a segment that Jlo was doing) also Rita Ora was already scheduled to be on the 4th hour .. so it was not a “scramble “ to find a replacement..she was already yes it a surprise to be asked late but they had backups…”
Making his own post to address the drama, comedian and actor Marlon Wayans also spoke out and said, “Y’all stop with these false narratives. I’ve worked with @kellyrowland as a Star/producer. I will honestly say she was nothing short of AMAZING. Sweet, kind, professional. On time, great energy, impeccable manners, and professionalism. She was nice to EVERYONE on set. Not one diva moment. Sh*t happens in Hollywood. Get both sides before you castrate any more legends. Love this woman. Y’all stop this BS. This woman was nothing short of a humble loving queen… PERIOD.”
#Socialites, be sure to check out the post below, then leave us your thoughts in a comment after!r
