Savannah Guthrie has apparently given out more than just Christmas cheer during the holiday season.
The former talk show host, 53, revealed she once spanked a male co-worker during a company holiday party on Tuesday’s episode of “Jenna & Friends” with Jenna Bush Hager.
The admission was made during the co-hosts’ “Girl Code” segment, where they attempted to give advice to a fan who sent in a submission letter.
“My office holiday party is in a few days … My work bestie Jackie is usually ‘over-served’ and becomes inappropriately flirty at these events. Last year she was hanging all over our boss and she doesn’t remember it at all. Should I say something ahead of time or roll the dice?” the letter read.
Savannah Guthrie admitted she once spanked a male co-worker during a company Christmas party on Tuesday’s episode of “Jenna & Friends” with Jenna Bush Hager. YouTube/@jennaandfriends
The admission was revealed during the show’s “Girl Code” segment, as they answered a fan’s letter. YouTube/@jennaandfriends
“I just have to say, as someone who has spanked a network correspondent at a holiday party…” Guthrie disclosed, cutting off Bush Hager, who was jokingly asking if one of their producers had submitted the question.
Guthrie then clarified that “it was an air spanking, so I don’t think I actually — it wasn’t hand [contact].”
She declined to share who received the holiday spanking, but that didn’t stop her co-host from prying with more questions.
Guther (seen above with Matt Lauer in 2017) did not reveal who received the spanking, but shared that he was a “network correspondent.” FilmMagic
She also clarified that it “was an air spanking,” so there was no “hand [contact].” NBC
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“Was it a man or a woman?” Bush Hager asked, to which Guthrie quickly answered, “Obviously it was a guy!”
“You’ve spanked me before,” Bush Hager shot back.
“Well, yes, and I made contact with you,” Guthrie conceded. “But we’re at that point, our friendship.”
In answer to the fan’s question, Guthrie advised that the fan leave the issue alone, saying “It won’t be well received.”
Bush Hager went on to reveal that she has also been on the receiving end of a spanking from Guthrie. Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images
Guthrie confirmed that she “made contact” with her co-host, adding that they’re “at that point [in] our friendship.” Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock
“She doesn’t remember it. I don’t think any good can come of it,” Guthrie continued.
Guthrie’s advice earned another joke from Bush Hager, who teasingly asked: “But what if you’re worried about her spanking somebody and getting called into HR?”
She noted that a “work bestie” might have a different responsibility than a personal pal.
“I wouldn’t touch it myself — but I’m wimpy,” Guthrie said, doubling down.
Guthrie has co-hosted alongside Bush Hager on a number of occasions this year following Hoda Kotb’s departure.
Sheinelle Jones was announced as the show’s new permanent co-host earlier this month. GC Images
Guthrie has co-hosted alongside Bush Hager on many occasions over the year, following Hoda Kotb’s exit from the “Today” talk show in January.
After Kotb’s departure, the show was renamed “Jenna & Friends” and went through a series of potential guest hosts until it was decided that Sheinelle Jones would be the new permanent co-host earlier this month.
Jones is set to start her official post on Jan. 12, 2026.