Molly Qerim, the dynamic host of ESPN’s *First Take*, is known for her engaging presence and sharp insights.

 

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However, there have been moments when she hilariously forgot that the world was watching.

From mouthing “WTF” after an awkward compliment to spontaneously dancing on set, these incidents have captivated audiences and sparked conversations.

Let’s take a look at some unforgettable moments when Molly Qerim forgot she was live on ESPN.

On January 3, 2024, *First Take* was buzzing with its usual energy and passionate debates.

As Stephen A. Smith delivered one of his signature monologues, he unexpectedly turned the spotlight on Qerim.

He praised her evolution from a sports host to a perceived “supermodel,” which seemed to catch her off guard.

While the camera focused on Smith, viewers noticed Qerim in the background mouthing the words “What the f?”

Her surprise and exasperation were evident, with raised eyebrows and a slight head tilt.

This unscripted moment quickly went viral across social media platforms, with fans finding it relatable and humorous.

Media outlets like the New York Post and OutKick analyzed the incident, noting how such moments humanize polished broadcasts.

If you thought mouthing profanity was shocking, wait until you see what she did next!

Fast forward to June 2019, during a lively segment discussing pop culture on *First Take*.

 

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Molly Qerim decided to showcase her own dance moves rather than just talk about them.

In a burst of spontaneity, she stood up and performed a quick shimmy with a twerk-like motion.

This brief dance completely shifted the energy in the studio, eliciting laughter and applause from her co-hosts.

Stephen A. Smith enthusiastically clapped while Max Kellerman offered a mock critique.

However, once the clip hit the internet, reactions became polarized.

Some praised Qerim for her confidence, while others criticized the move as unprofessional for a morning sports debate show.

This moment highlighted the scrutiny female hosts face in a male-dominated industry.

When Stephen A. Smith gets animated, it’s celebrated; when Qerim dances, it sparks debate about professionalism.

On August 15, 2024, *First Take* ventured into risky territory during a discussion about a pop culture story involving an NFL player.

As the conversation turned to the player’s social media activity, Qerim made a light-hearted comment about athletes’ unusual interest in feet.

Her remark was intended as humor, but the studio’s reaction suggested it didn’t land as she hoped.

Stephen A. Smith widened his eyes in surprise, while other panelists chuckled nervously or fell silent.

The camera captured Qerim’s face shifting from amusement to mild regret.

Social media exploded with reactions, with users questioning if she had forgotten she was on ESPN.

Media outlets like The Sun covered the incident, analyzing how Qerim’s attempt at humor had backfired due to the sensitive nature of the topic.

This moment underscored the challenges female hosts face in balancing entertainment with professionalism.

On April 8, 2024, Molly Qerim found herself in a tricky situation when Stephen A. Smith’s open laptop became a potential on-air mishap.

During a heated debate, the camera angle revealed Smith’s laptop screen, which could display anything from personal emails to production notes.

Recognizing the potential embarrassment, Qerim discreetly tried to signal Smith to close the laptop.

She leaned in and mouthed, “Close it or put it away,” but Smith was too engrossed in his argument to notice.

Viewers caught this interaction, and it quickly went viral, with fans commenting on Qerim’s visible frustration.

 

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Media outlets noted her quick thinking and Smith’s obliviousness, highlighting the dynamics of their on-air relationship.

## Clapping Back at Stephen A. Smith’s Exaggerations

On March 20, 2024, Qerim stepped out of her usual role as a neutral moderator to directly challenge Stephen A. Smith.

During a heated discussion about NCAA basketball, Smith launched into one of his passionate critiques, declaring a coach’s decision the “dumbest thing I’ve ever seen.”

Instead of moving the conversation forward, Qerim interjected with sharp words: “Stephen, come on. You can’t be serious with that. That’s absurd.”

Her firm tone surprised Smith and the studio audience, breaking from the usual format where she facilitates without becoming a participant.

This moment spread quickly across social media, with fans applauding her for calling out Smith’s hyperbole.

## Getting Rudely Cut Off Mid-Sentence

On February 12, 2024, another incident showcased the sometimes fraught dynamic between Qerim and Smith.

During a segment on NBA trade rumors, Qerim was cut off mid-sentence by Smith, who launched into a tangent unrelated to her point.

Her reaction was immediate and telling; her eyes widened in shock, and she folded her arms defensively.

Viewers captured her expression of disbelief, leading to social media comments about the disrespect she faced.

## Called Out on Air Over the Caitlyn Clark Controversy

On September 10, 2024, Qerim found herself in an uncomfortable position when both Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe criticized her on air.

The discussion centered around WNBA star Caitlyn Clark and the media coverage she was receiving.

As Smith shifted his focus directly onto Qerim, the implication was clear: he felt she hadn’t been supportive enough during the controversy.

This public call-out put Qerim in an awkward position, forcing her to respond while maintaining her composure.

On June 25, 2024, Qerim was subjected to pointed comments from her co-hosts about her eating habits during a broadcast.

What started as light-hearted banter quickly evolved into uncomfortable scrutiny over her snacking on set.

The focus on her food consumption represented the kind of scrutiny female hosts often face, which male hosts rarely experience.

Qerim’s attempts to maintain professionalism while being the subject of this commentary highlighted the double standards in sports media.

On May 7, 2024, a lighter moment occurred when Smith pointed out the clutter of coffee mugs on Qerim’s desk.

As the camera shifted, viewers saw multiple mugs, creating a humorous moment that showcased her typically polished demeanor.

Smith joked about her coffee shop-like setup, and Qerim’s sheepish laughter added to the charm of the exchange.

This moment resonated with fans, showing the natural chemistry between Qerim and Smith.

Finally, on July 22, 2025, Qerim fell victim to a viral misinformation incident during a segment about the Dallas Cowboys.

As she introduced footage of an impressive catch, it became clear that the clip was actually old footage of a different player.

The error was a reminder of the challenges sports journalists face in the age of social media, where misinformation spreads rapidly.

To her credit, Qerim addressed the mistake on air, issuing a straightforward apology and maintaining professionalism.

 

 

Molly Qerim’s moments on *First Take* have showcased her vibrant personality and the challenges of live broadcasting.

From hilarious slip-ups to uncomfortable exchanges, these incidents highlight the scrutiny female hosts face in sports media.

As she continues to navigate her role, fans eagerly await what she will do next—because in the world of live sports commentary, anything can happen!

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