NBC started what it dubbed a “new chapter” in its morning programming on Monday without host Megyn Kelly.
Replacing Kelly during the 9 a.m. hour of “Today” were a panel of hosts and anchors who have appeared previously on the morning show: Hoda Kotb, Al Roker, Craig Melvin and Jenna Bush Hager.
Kelly lost “Megyn Kelly Today” last week after making controversial comments about how it was OK to wear blackface as a Halloween costume when she was growing up “as long as you were dressing like a character.”
{mosads}Kotb addressed Kelly’s removal at the the top of the show while promising viewers “the entire ‘Today’ family” will continue providing “informative and important” stories.
“Today, as you know, we are starting a new chapter in the third hour of our show as it evolves,” Kotb said. “We want you to know that the entire ‘Today’ family will continue to bring you informative and important stories, just as we always have.”
Kotb replaced Matt Lauer as co-host of “Today” after he was ousted in November over sexual misconduct allegations.
The network has not named a permanent replacement or replacements for Kelly, who is negotiating an exit from NBC, according to several sources.
Kelly apologized for the blackface comments on Tuesday in a letter to NBC staff and again on her program last Wednesday.
“I want to begin with two words, ‘I’m sorry,'” she said directly into the camera while tearing up. “The country feels so divided, and I have no wish to add to that pain and offense. I believe this is a time for more understanding, more love, more sensitivity and honor.”
“Thank you for listening and for helping me listen too,” she later concluded to a standing ovation from the live in-studio audience.
The former “Kelly File” host signed a reported three-year, $69 million contract when she joined NBC from Fox News in January 2017.