Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb share some of the rude things people said to them on the street. These seemingly simple jokes can cause a lot of hurt.

“You Said What to Me?” — Kathie Lee and Hoda Get Brutally Honest About Public Insults

In an era where fame is often equated with adoration, morning show queens Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb are shattering that illusion — one jaw-dropping insult at a time. The beloved television duo, known for their warmth, humor, and champagne-filled chats on NBC’s Today Show, recently opened up about the less glamorous side of stardom: being insulted by complete strangers in public.

And what they revealed? It’s brutal out there.

From being told they “look old” to hearing “you’re much prettier on TV,” Kathie Lee and Hoda’s stories are raw, real, and surprisingly common. Welcome to the unfiltered world of unsolicited street commentary — where even America’s sweethearts aren’t safe.

From Compliments to Cutdowns: The Shocking Things Strangers Say

“People think they know you,” Kathie Lee explained during a candid segment. “And sometimes that gives them the confidence — or audacity — to say things they’d never say to a stranger.”

Hoda chimed in with a stunned laugh. “One lady looked at me and went, ‘Oh! You’re Hoda! Wow… you’re a lot skinnier on TV.’ Like — what are you supposed to do with that?”

But the comments don’t stop at body image.

Kathie Lee recalled being approached by a woman who looked her up and down and blurted, “Wow. I thought you’d be taller… and younger.” She smiled wryly as she recounted the moment, but the sting was evident.

“It’s amazing what people feel entitled to say,” she added. “There’s no filter. It’s like we’re public property.”

The Price of Visibility: Why Do People Say These Things?

Experts say this phenomenon — where strangers feel entitled to critique celebrities to their faces — is rooted in something called “parasocial interaction.” Simply put, people feel like they “know” TV personalities after years of watching them, which blurs boundaries and social norms.

Dr. Karen Leone, a media psychologist, explained: “When someone sees a celebrity daily in their home — especially someone as warm and engaging as Kathie Lee or Hoda — they form a one-sided relationship. That familiarity tricks the brain into thinking it’s a two-way street.”

But there’s a darker twist: familiarity often breeds casual cruelty.

“Because the connection isn’t real, people don’t feel the same responsibility to be kind,” Dr. Leone said. “They think it’s harmless — but it’s not.”

How They Deal With the Hate: Grace, Humor, and a Lot of Wine

Despite the stings, both women handle the insults with their signature blend of class and comedy.

“I’ve learned to just smile and say thank you,” Hoda laughed. “What else can you do? Cry on the sidewalk?”

Kathie Lee, ever the sharp wit, said she sometimes turns the moment into a teachable one. “I’ll say, ‘Wow, that wasn’t very kind. Do you talk to everyone like that?’ And you’d be surprised — some people genuinely don’t realize how rude they’re being.”

The women admit that while they’ve developed thick skin over the years, the words can still hurt.

“We’re human,” Kathie Lee said. “We bleed just like everyone else. Being on TV doesn’t make you bulletproof.”

Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword

The street insults are only half the story. Online, it’s even worse.

“People will say anything behind a keyboard,” Hoda said. “I’ve had people comment on my smile, my hair, my voice — you name it. There’s a cruelty online that’s just next-level.”

Kathie Lee agreed. “It’s easy to dismiss it as ‘trolls,’ but sometimes the comments come from regular people. Mothers. Teachers. It’s not just angry teenagers.”

Still, both women are adamant about keeping perspective.

“You can’t let a few mean comments define you,” Hoda said. “For every insult, there’s someone out there who loves you. And that’s who I choose to listen to.”

A Call for Kindness: Think Before You Speak

The message that emerged from their conversation was clear: Words matter.

“You never know what someone’s going through,” Kathie Lee said. “So why not lead with kindness?”

Their candid revelations have sparked a wave of empathy online, with fans rallying to share their own experiences of public rudeness — and to praise the duo’s grace under fire.

In a culture obsessed with perfection and polished appearances, Kathie Lee and Hoda’s honesty is a breath of fresh air. They remind us that behind every smiling face on our screens is a real person, navigating the same messy, unpredictable, and sometimes hurtful world as the rest of us.

The Bottom Line

Fame may bring fans, fortune, and front-row seats — but it also brings unsolicited critiques from strangers who treat celebrities like walking tabloid headlines. Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb’s recent revelations are a sobering reminder that no one is immune to judgment.

So the next time you spot a familiar face on the street, maybe skip the commentary and just say hello. After all, kindness — unlike insults — never goes out of style.