Richard Gere, the legendary actor known for his roles in classics like Pretty Woman and An Officer and a Gentleman, recently found himself in an unusual and unexpected moment on live television.

During an appearance on the Today show, Gere surprised both viewers and host Savannah Guthrie with an uncharacteristically bold gesture—the middle finger.

The moment sparked an immediate reaction from Guthrie, who quickly called him out, creating a buzzworthy yet awkward situation on the popular morning show.

The incident unfolded during what seemed to be a standard interview segment promoting Gere’s latest project.

As the conversation progressed, the tone shifted when a playful exchange between Gere and Guthrie took a surprising turn.

Reports suggest that Guthrie may have made a lighthearted comment or joke at Gere’s expense, prompting the unexpected reaction from the actor.

Gere raised his middle finger in what many believe was intended as a joking or cheeky response, but the live nature of the show amplified the impact of the gesture.

Savannah Guthrie, known for her poise and professionalism, quickly addressed the incident, scolding Gere in a way that managed to balance firmness with humor.

“Richard!” she exclaimed, laughing but visibly surprised, “Did you just flip me off on national television?” Her reaction helped diffuse what could have been a tense moment, but it also underscored the unusual nature of the exchange.

Viewers were left wondering whether the gesture was a genuine slip, a playful joke gone wrong, or an attempt by Gere to inject some spontaneity into the interview.

The moment quickly became a hot topic on social media, with fans and critics weighing in. Some viewers found the gesture humorous and saw it as a reflection of Gere’s laid-back personality, while others felt it was inappropriate for a family-friendly program like Today.

“Richard Gere flipping off Savannah Guthrie? I did NOT have that on my bingo card for 2024,” one Twitter user quipped.

Others defended the actor, suggesting that his gesture was likely meant in jest and not intended to offend.

For his part, Gere has not publicly commented on the incident, leaving fans to speculate about his intentions.

Known for his typically reserved and composed demeanor, the gesture was uncharacteristic of the actor, who has spent decades cultivating an image of sophistication and charm.

While it’s possible that the moment was simply a playful misstep, it has certainly added an unexpected chapter to his public appearances.

Guthrie, ever the professional, kept the show moving despite the hiccup. Her quick wit and ability to adapt to the situation earned praise from viewers, many of whom noted how gracefully she handled what could have been a much more awkward exchange. “Savannah Guthrie is a class act,” one fan tweeted. “She turned a potential disaster into a lighthearted moment.”

Incidents like these highlight the unpredictability of live television and the unique challenges faced by hosts and guests alike.

For celebrities, especially those with long-standing careers like Gere, a single unexpected moment can quickly become a viral sensation, for better or worse.

In this case, the combination of a respected actor and a beloved morning show host made the incident all the more noteworthy.

As the clip continues to circulate online, it’s clear that the exchange has left a lasting impression on viewers.

Whether the moment will have any lasting impact on Gere’s public image or simply fade into the annals of quirky live TV moments remains to be seen.

For now, it serves as a reminder that even the most polished stars can have unexpected moments of spontaneity—moments that can leave both hosts and audiences a little stunned.

In the end, the playful banter and quick recovery by Guthrie ensured that the interview wasn’t entirely overshadowed by the surprising gesture. Instead, it added a layer of unpredictability that, for many viewers, made the segment even more memorable.

For Gere, it’s another example of the unpredictable nature of live appearances and a small reminder of how even a lighthearted gesture can make headlines in the age of instant social media reactions.