During a recent episode of Jenna & Friends, Guthrie, 53, revealed that she once “spanked” a male colleague at a company Christmas party. The moment came up during the show’s “Girl Code” segment, where Guthrie and co-host Jenna Bush Hager were responding to a viewer’s question about awkward workplace behavior at holiday events.
The viewer asked whether she should warn her work best friend — who tends to drink too much and behave flirtatiously at office parties — or simply stay quiet and hope for the best.
Before offering advice, Guthrie cut in with a confession of her own.
“As someone who has spanked a network correspondent at a holiday party…” she said, stopping Bush Hager mid-joke. She quickly clarified that it was an “air spanking” and that there was no actual contact.
Guthrie declined to name who it was, but when Bush Hager asked whether it involved a man or a woman, Guthrie answered without hesitation: “Obviously it was a guy!”
Bush Hager jokingly reminded Guthrie that she herself had been spanked before — to which Guthrie admitted that, in that case, contact was made. “But we’re at that point, our friendship,” she laughed.
When it came to the viewer’s dilemma, Guthrie took a cautious stance. She advised against bringing up last year’s behavior at all.
“She doesn’t remember it,” Guthrie said. “I don’t think any good can come of it.”
Bush Hager jokingly raised the concern of HR getting involved if things went too far again, but Guthrie still stood firm. While acknowledging that a “work bestie” might feel some responsibility, she said she personally wouldn’t step in.
“I wouldn’t touch it myself — but I’m wimpy,” she added.
Guthrie has frequently co-hosted alongside Bush Hager over the past year, especially after Hoda Kotb exited Today in January. Following Kotb’s departure, the hour was rebranded as Jenna & Friends and featured a rotating lineup of guest hosts.
Earlier this month, NBC announced that Sheinelle Jones will become the show’s new permanent co-host. Jones is scheduled to officially step into the role on January 12, 2026.
Until then, viewers can expect plenty more candid moments — and playful confessions — from Guthrie and Bush Hager.
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