Actress Valerie Bertinelli used an F-bomb and another expletive during a live broadcast of NBC's "Today" show on Thursday [1], [2].
The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of live morning television, where high-profile guests often face the pressure of real-time interviews. For a network like NBC, such slips can create viral moments that draw significant attention to both the guest and the program.
Bertinelli appeared during the fourth hour of the program with hosts Sheinelle Jones and Jenna Bush Hager [1], [2]. She was visiting the studio to promote her new Lifetime movie, "Love, Again" [2], [3]. During the segment, the actress dropped two expletives [3].
Immediately following the slip, Bertinelli expressed surprise and concern about her standing with the network. "Geez Louise! I'll never be invited back again," Bertinelli said [1].
Bertinelli, who is 66 [1], attributed the lack of filter to her age during her apology to the viewing audience. "You know what, it's the 66‑year‑old disease where you just don't care what comes out of your mouth," Bertinelli said. "I apologize to everybody out there. I'm sorry. I'm sorry" [1].
Despite the momentary lapse, the actress attempted to reassure the hosts and the audience that the behavior was not intentional. "I won't swear, I promise!" Bertinelli said [2].
The appearance was intended to build momentum for the release of "Love, Again," but the conversation shifted toward the live blunder. The actress used humor to deflect the tension of the moment—a common tactic for celebrities navigating on-air mistakes.
“"Geez Louise! I'll never be invited back again,"”
This incident underscores the tension between the polished requirements of network morning shows and the trend toward more authentic, unfiltered celebrity interactions. While such slips are technically breaches of broadcast standards, they often humanize public figures and generate organic social media engagement that can inadvertently boost the visibility of the project being promoted.
