Foot Fetish Jokes and Furious Faces: Molly Qerim’s Most Shocking Live TV Moment

Molly Qerim has long been a staple of ESPN’s “First Take,” where her role as moderator requires her to balance fiery debates, manage unpredictable co-hosts like Stephen A. Smith, and keep the show flowing seamlessly.

However, even the most seasoned professionals can have moments where the live camera catches them off guard.

For Molly, these moments have ranged from light-hearted and funny to outright uncomfortable, creating viral clips and sparking debates about professionalism and gender dynamics in sports media.

One of Molly’s most famous on-air slip-ups occurred on January 3, 2024.

During a typical heated discussion on “First Take,” Stephen A. Smith veered off-topic to praise Molly for her career evolution, even calling her a “supermodel in people’s eyes.”

While the compliment was likely well-intentioned, Molly’s reaction stole the show.

As the camera panned to her, she was caught mouthing a very clear “WTF,” complete with raised eyebrows and a look of disbelief.

The moment instantly went viral, with fans dissecting her reaction frame by frame on social media.

While some found it hilarious and relatable, others debated whether it was appropriate for live TV.

Regardless, it became one of the most talked-about moments in “First Take” history.

But Molly’s candid reactions aren’t limited to mouthing words.

Rewind to June 2019, when she decided to join in on a lighthearted segment about viral dance challenges.

Instead of staying behind the desk, she stood up and performed a shimmy with a twerk-like move, leaving her co-hosts in hysterics.

Stephen A. Smith clapped enthusiastically, while Max Kellerman offered a comedic critique of her moves.

Once again, the internet exploded with reactions, with some praising her for her confidence and others questioning if such antics were appropriate for a sports debate show.

The incident highlighted the double standard female hosts often face, as Molly’s playful moment was scrutinized in ways her male counterparts rarely experience.

Fast forward to August 15, 2024, when Molly found herself in another viral moment—this time involving an awkward joke about foot fetishes.

During a segment discussing athletes’ social media habits, Molly made a tongue-in-cheek comment about players’ apparent fascination with feet.

While her co-hosts chuckled nervously, the joke didn’t quite land, and there was an awkward pause in the studio.

Social media users had mixed reactions, with some praising her for keeping things lively and others criticizing the remark as inappropriate for a family-friendly show.

The incident underscored the fine line Molly must walk between being entertaining and maintaining professionalism on live TV.

Not all of Molly’s viral moments are humorous or lighthearted.

On April 8, 2024, she found herself in a tense situation when Stephen A. Smith accidentally left his laptop open on the desk during a heated debate.

The screen, partially visible to viewers, posed a significant problem—it could have displayed anything from private emails to production notes.

Recognizing the issue, Molly tried to discreetly signal to Stephen A. to close the laptop.

Her subtle hand gestures and whispered instructions went unnoticed as Smith remained locked into his rant.

The clip of Molly’s visible frustration quickly went viral, with fans praising her quick thinking and professionalism in handling the situation.

Molly’s role as a moderator often requires her to remain neutral, but there are times when she steps out of that role to call out what she perceives as nonsense.

One such moment occurred on March 20, 2024, during a discussion about the NCAA basketball tournament.

Stephen A. Smith made an exaggerated claim, calling a coach’s decision “the dumbest thing I’ve ever seen in basketball history.”

Instead of letting it slide, Molly interjected with uncharacteristic sharpness, calling his statement “absurd.”

Her reaction, complete with a headshake and a look of disbelief, stunned both Smith and viewers.

The exchange sparked speculation about tension between the co-hosts, with fans taking to social media to applaud Molly for standing her ground.

While Molly is known for her composure, there are moments when her frustration has been evident.

On February 12, 2024, during a segment on the NBA trade deadline, Stephen A. Smith abruptly interrupted Molly mid-sentence to go on a tangent about LeBron James.

Molly’s reaction was immediate—her eyes widened in shock, and she leaned back in her chair, visibly stunned.

Social media users were quick to point out the disrespect, with many calling for better treatment of Molly as the show’s moderator.

The scrutiny Molly faces isn’t limited to her on-air commentary.

On June 25, 2024, during a light-hearted moment, her co-hosts began teasing her about her eating habits on set.

They jokingly pointed out her snacking and even commented on her eating cake, which Molly tried to brush off with professionalism.

However, the sustained focus on her food consumption felt uncomfortable to many viewers, sparking discussions about the unique and often unfair scrutiny female hosts face in sports media.

Not all of Molly’s viral moments have been negative.

On May 7, 2024, she became the subject of a hilarious segment when her desk was shown cluttered with coffee mugs.

Stephen A. Smith immediately seized the moment, joking that Molly was running a coffee shop instead of hosting a show.

Molly’s sheepish reaction and attempt to subtly slide one of the mugs out of view only added to the humor.

The moment showcased her ability to laugh at herself and her natural chemistry with her co-hosts.

However, not all mishaps are so lighthearted.

On July 22, 2025, Molly fell victim to a viral social media hoax during a segment on the Dallas Cowboys.

She mistakenly introduced old footage of Brandon Cooks as a current highlight of George Pickens, a mistake that stemmed from a cleverly edited social media post.

The error was quickly pointed out by viewers, forcing Molly to issue an on-air correction.

While she handled the situation professionally, the incident highlighted the challenges of navigating today’s fast-paced, misinformation-prone media landscape.

Molly Qerim’s time on “First Take” has been filled with memorable moments that reveal the challenges of live television.

From candid reactions and spontaneous dancing to tense exchanges with co-hosts, her ability to handle these situations with grace and humor has endeared her to fans.

At the same time, her experiences highlight the unique scrutiny faced by women in sports media, where every move is analyzed and often criticized in ways that male hosts rarely encounter.

Despite the occasional misstep, Molly remains a beloved figure on “First Take,” known for her quick wit, professionalism, and ability to keep the show engaging.

Her on-air moments, whether funny, awkward, or inspiring, serve as a reminder that even the most polished professionals are human—and that’s what makes live TV so compelling.