NBC workers upset after finding host Jenna Bush Hager has a side gig that ‘tarnishes’ company’s credibility

Jenna Bush Hager has been a fixture in the American news media for more than a decade. The daughter of former US President George W. Bush has made a name for herself as one of the primary personalities at NBC News, and she has done quite well. But, according to a new story, there is currently some friction between Hagar Bush and her colleagues. Her coworkers are reportedly upset because she has a side business that “tarnishes” the company’s credibility.

The 41-year-old TV host has held a variety of professional positions throughout the years. She taught during her father’s presidency and is the author of several books. Since she now spends most of her time on journalistic activities, it appears that she has found another source of income due to the Internet.

According to reports, the former Southern Living editor has been selling premium bedding materials under the brand Boll & Branch. According to Radar Online, the Today host’s own favorite products are listed on the website. According to the news site, such a business collaboration is “against the rules” at NBC News.

According to a source, the entertainment firm has strong feelings about employees who have side hustles: NBC News has strict policies about endorsement deals and this kind of Bush League behavior. They don’t want Lester Holt selling life insurance or Savannah Guthrie selling face cream. It tarnishes the entire news division’s credibility.

Jenna Bush Hager joined NBC News in 2009 as a Today contributor and correspondent, where she spent years conducting high-profile interviews and launching segments for the storied morning show. With the departure of Kathie Lee Gifford, she began co-hosting the fourth hour with Hoda Kotb in 2019. That hour was renamed Today with Hoda & Jenna once NBC officially selected Bush Hager for the job. Her star has arguably continued to soar since then.

This alleged “side gig” controversy comes on the heels of the firm being forced to lay off 75 employees. During the corporate restructuring, the company also hired Johnny Depp’s lawyer Camille Vasquez for a position. The hire of Vasquez, a legal analyst, appears to be causing conflict among employees as well.

She’s allegedly not fitting in since her coworkers are upset that she was brought in when so many others were let go. They apparently also fear that her hiring endangers the network’s previous reporting on Depp and Amber Heard’s defamation case. Credibility appears to be the guiding principle here, and it remains to be seen how NBC will handle Jenna Bush Hager’s situation. As of this writing, neither the company’s eps nor Bush Hager herself had responded.