Hoda Kotb Finally Speaks Out After 2 Months Away from ‘Today’—Her BOMBSHELL Claim: ‘I Was Set Up!’ Fans Demand Answers!

For weeks, Today show fans have been speculating about the sudden departure of longtime co-anchor Hoda Kotb. After two months of silence, the beloved journalist has finally broken her silence—and what she revealed has left fans in shock.

In an exclusive interview, Kotb made a bombshell claim, stating: “I was set up!”—hinting that her departure from the show may not have been as voluntary as NBC initially made it seem. Now, viewers are demanding answers, questioning whether there was a deeper story behind her exit.

What really happened behind the scenes? Why is Kotb coming forward now? And what does this mean for her future in broadcasting? Here’s everything we know.

Hoda Kotb’s Shocking Exit: What NBC Didn’t Tell You

Fans were blindsided when Hoda Kotb announced her departure from ‘Today’ in January 2025 after 17 years on the morning show. At the time, NBC reported that Kotb had chosen to step away to focus on her family, personal projects, and new opportunities.

But almost immediately, rumors began circulating that something wasn’t adding up. Insiders at NBC hinted at behind-the-scenes tensions, contract disputes, and even whispers that Kotb was being pushed out in favor of a new, younger face.

Adding to the mystery, Kotb remained completely silent after her departure. Unlike other hosts who left the show with farewell interviews or public statements, she disappeared entirely—no interviews, no social media posts, and no comments about the future.

Until now.

Hoda Kotb Speaks Out: “I Was Set Up”

In a new interview that has since gone viral, Hoda Kotb finally broke her silence—and what she said has sent shockwaves through the industry.

“I didn’t leave on my own terms,” Kotb revealed. “People think I walked away because I wanted to. That’s not what happened. I was set up.”

Although she didn’t name names, Kotb strongly implied that there was a coordinated effort behind the scenes to remove her from Today—suggesting that powerful executives orchestrated her exit while maintaining the illusion that it was her decision.

“What hurts the most is that after nearly two decades of loyalty, I wasn’t given the full truth,” Kotb admitted. “I wasn’t expecting a betrayal like this.”

Fans immediately flooded social media with reactions, many calling for NBC to address the controversy. Some have even started the hashtag #JusticeForHoda, demanding that the network clarify what really happened behind the scenes.

Why Was Hoda Kotb Allegedly Forced Out? Theories & Insider Leaks

With Kotb’s shocking claim now public, fans and industry insiders are scrambling to figure out why she may have been pushed out of Today. Several theories have emerged:

1. NBC Wanted to Cut Costs 💰

Rumors have swirled that NBC was looking to slash budgets, and Kotb—one of the network’s highest-paid anchors—became a financial target. Reports suggest that NBC executives offered her a pay cut, but when she refused, they pressured her to step down instead.

2. A Behind-the-Scenes Power Struggle ⚡

There have been whispers of ongoing tensions between Kotb and NBC executives over the future direction of Today. Some sources claim that a new producer wanted to shake up the show with a younger, fresher face, and Kotb didn’t fit into the new vision.

3. Kelly Clarkson Was Secretly Considered as a Replacement 🎤

A shocking leak from NBC insiders suggested that Kelly Clarkson’s name was floated as a possible replacement. However, Clarkson’s busy schedule with The Kelly Clarkson Show reportedly made it impossible for her to commit—leaving NBC scrambling for another option.

4. Was There Internal Sabotage? 🔥

One of the most controversial theories is that Kotb was the victim of internal sabotage. Some reports suggest that a rival colleague or executive deliberately leaked false information or exaggerated problems to make her position untenable—forcing her to walk away.

What’s Next for Hoda Kotb? Will She Return to TV?

Despite the controversy surrounding her exit, Kotb has made it clear that she’s not done with broadcasting. In her interview, she teased a new project that she’s been working on—but remained tight-lipped about the details.

“I’m excited about what’s next,” Kotb said. “I may not be sitting on the Today couch anymore, but my story isn’t over.”

Some sources claim that she’s in talks with major streaming platforms, while others believe she may be considering a tell-all book about her time at NBC.

One thing is certain: this isn’t the last we’ll hear from Hoda Kotb.

Fans Demand Answers—Will NBC Respond?

With #JusticeForHoda now trending and fans demanding transparency, all eyes are on NBC to see how they will respond.

So far, the network has remained silent, refusing to address Kotb’s claim that she was set up. However, sources say that NBC executives are scrambling behind the scenes, fearing that this controversy could damage the reputation of ‘Today’.

Will NBC finally tell the truth? Or will the network try to sweep the controversy under the rug?

One thing is for sure—fans won’t stop demanding answers anytime soon.

Final Thoughts: A New Chapter for Hoda Kotb

Hoda Kotb’s shocking revelation has reignited discussions about power struggles in network television—and the way media companies handle their longtime stars.

While the truth behind her exit may never fully come to light, one thing is certain: Hoda Kotb is far from finished.

Whether she returns to TV, writes a book, or launches a new media empire, one thing is clear—she’s not going anywhere.

And if NBC thought she’d stay silent?

They clearly underestimated her.

What do you think about Hoda Kotb’s bombshell claim? Do you believe she was set up? Let us know in the comments!