Al Roker has divided the internet over his appearance at the Rose Bowl Parade – with some viewers claiming he “ruined” the event and others saying they “will not tolerate slander” against the Today host.
The celebrated weatherman, 69, was covering the annual New Year's Day procession for NBC with his Today Star colleague Hoda Kotb – but when Al commented on the parade, some people online weren't thrilled with his banter.
X, formerly known as Twitter, was flooded with posts criticizing his persistent jokes and one-liners.
Some people branded his comments “pathetic”, “irritating” and “excessive” and said they switched to broadcasting the event on another channel because of him, while others defended the long-time TV star.
Al Roker (seen at the event) has divided the internet over his appearance at the Rose Bowl Parade – with some spectators claiming he “ruined” the event and others defending him
The celebrated weatherman, 69, covered the annual New Year's procession for NBC with his “Today” colleague Hoda Kotb
When Al commented on the parade, some people online were not happy with his banter and a float in the parade is seen
So many users talked about his looks that his name became a trending topic on the platform.
“Al Roker is the reason I can't watch the Rose Bowl Parade,” one person wrote.
“Al Roker is terrible this morning… He needs to shut up.” “He's ruining the parade,” someone else said angrily.
Another outraged user added: “Who gave Al Roker free reign over the microphone?”
“I love the Rose Parade every January 1st. But this year Al Roker’s advertising is so irritating, annoying, over the top and infuriating,” a fourth post said.
A fifth said: “Al Roker is absolutely ruining this lovely event. “Please just stop with the stupid jokes and announce the entries.”
“Al Roker practices the ancient art of extreme cringe during this Rose Parade,” another user wrote.
One person even encouraged Al to “back off” after watching the event, adding, “It's painful to listen to.”
Some people branded his comments “pathetic”, “irritating” and “exaggerated” and said they switched to broadcasting the event on another channel because of him
Other X users showed their support for the TV star and encouraged others to stop insulting him
“I turned it off and went to ABC.” “Very professional compared to the terrible failed Al Roker comedy,” someone else added.
However, other X users showed their support for the TV star and encouraged their fellow viewers to stop insulting him.
“Apparently all the hungover Grinches are complaining about Al Roker being too happy today,” one defense attorney posted. “There are a lot more problems in the world, people.”
“Wow, lots of comments today about Al Roker…First day of the new year and people are already miserable/unbearable. “Get some therapy or enjoy some time outside,” someone else said.
“I will not tolerate the slander of Al Roker on my timeline,” another user announced.
Others called him “hilarious” and “the GOAT,” while another person encouraged others to “let the man live.”
The Rose Parade began in 1890 and is held each year on New Year's Day in Pasadena, California.
It leads to the coveted College Football Playoff game in the Rose Bowl. This year the Alabama Crimson Tide will face the Michigan Wolverines.
The theme of this year's parade was “Celebrating a World of Music: The Universal Language” and included performances by Jordin Sparks, Michelle Williams, Destiny's Child and David Archuleta.