Molly Qerim found herself standing up to Stephen A. Smith on live television this week after he made an unwelcome comment about her outfit on ESPN’s First Take. The exchange took place during a broadcast where Qerim, hosting from the New York studio alongside Mike Tannenbaum and Kimberley Martin, greeted Stephen A., who was participating remotely.
After the usual pleasantries, Stephen A. shifted his attention to Qerim, making a pointed observation about her wardrobe. “To the matriarch herself,” he began, addressing Qerim with a tone that hinted at something more. “Molly, you know what you’re doing. All I want to say is, the color you’re rocking today… is similar to the color you were rocking yesterday.”
Qerim, dressed in a light blue ensemble, had indeed worn a similar shade the previous day. However, rather than let the comment slide, she decided to address it head-on.
“Stephen A.,” she responded, clearly prepared to set the record straight. “I just have to say one thing to this man. We do this television show year-round. How many shows a year, 180 shows a year?”
Stephen A. quickly corrected her, “No, it’s a minimum of 220.”
“Okay, 220,” she continued. “220 shows a year, right? That’s within our contract. There’s only so many colors! There’s only so many things a person can wear!”
Stephen A. attempted to clarify his comment, arguing that it wasn’t just about the color but the timing of the outfits. “It’s not the color, it’s the fact that it’s similar to yesterday,” he explained. “Spread it out, that’s all I’m saying. It’s just a little suggestion, we have standards here on First Take!”
Qerim, visibly unimpressed with the critique, shot back, “Oh my God, really? Really, already? It’s 10:02 and you’re already annoying me with the backhanded compliment.”
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This isn’t the first time Qerim has had to deal with Stephen A.’s playful, yet often sharp, comments. As a seasoned host, she’s grown accustomed to the banter that comes with working alongside Smith, who is known for his outspoken and sometimes controversial takes. However, Qerim has also shown that she’s more than capable of holding her own and defending herself when necessary.
The exchange highlighted the dynamic between the two hosts, with Qerim demonstrating her ability to push back against Stephen A.’s teasing while maintaining her professionalism. It was a moment that resonated with viewers, showcasing the kind of quick wit and resilience that has made Qerim a standout presence on the show.
While the back-and-forth was ultimately lighthearted, it also served as a reminder of the pressures and scrutiny that come with being in the public eye, especially for female broadcasters who face constant judgment over their appearance.
Qerim’s response was a strong and relatable defense against that scrutiny, reminding everyone that even in the fast-paced world of live television, there’s a limit to how much one’s wardrobe choices should be up for debate.
