Molly Qerim FORGOT She Was Live on ESPN And Did This!
10 Times Molly Karum Forgot She Was Live on ESPN
Molly Karum, host of one of ESPN’s biggest shows, is usually the picture of professionalism. But sometimes, even the best forget the cameras are rolling. From mouthing “WTF” on live TV to spontaneous dancing and awkward jokes, here are 10 unforgettable moments when Molly Karum forgot she was live on ESPN.
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1. Molly Mouths “WTF” on First Take
On January 3rd, 2024, during a lively First Take episode, Steven A. Smith praised Molly’s evolution from a sports host to a “supermodel in people’s eyes.” As he spoke, Molly was caught on camera mouthing a clear and unmistakable “What the f?” Her raised eyebrows and slight head tilt perfectly captured her surprise and exasperation. The clip quickly went viral on social media, with fans loving this rare unscripted moment.
2. The Spontaneous Dance Move
Back in June 2019, during a light-hearted discussion about viral dance celebrations, Molly surprised everyone by standing up and performing a brief shimmy mixed with a twerk-like move right on set. The studio erupted in laughter, with Steven A. Smith clapping enthusiastically. While some praised her confidence, others questioned if it was too unprofessional for a morning sports show. This moment highlighted the double standards female hosts often face compared to their male counterparts.
3. When a Foot Fetish Joke Went Too Far
In August 2024, Molly made a playful comment about athletes having an unusual interest in feet during a segment. The joke didn’t land well; Steven A. Smith reacted with a shocked “Wo!” and the studio fell silent for a moment. Molly’s expression shifted from amusement to mild regret. Social media buzzed, debating whether she forgot the family-friendly nature of ESPN’s audience.
4. Desperately Trying to Hide a Co-Host’s Laptop Screen
In April 2024, Molly noticed Stephen A. Smith’s laptop screen was visible on camera, potentially exposing private messages. She subtly gestured and mouthed “Close it” to him, but he was so engrossed in his rant he ignored her. Molly’s brief look of frustration was caught on camera and quickly shared online as a perfect example of live TV chaos.
5. Clapping Back at Stephen A. Smith’s Exaggerations
During March Madness 2024, Stephen A. Smith called a coaching decision “the dumbest thing I’ve ever seen in basketball history.” Molly wasn’t having it and firmly challenged him: “Steven, come on. You can’t be serious with that. That’s absurd.” The studio fell silent as Smith looked surprised to be called out by the usually neutral moderator. Fans loved the moment, calling it “Molly checking Stephen A.”
6. Getting Rudely Cut Off Mid-Sentence
In February 2024, while introducing a segment on NBA trade rumors, Molly was abruptly cut off by Stephen A. Smith mid-sentence. Her shocked reaction—wide eyes, leaning back, and folding arms—was caught on camera. Social media sympathized, highlighting the difficult dynamic she faced managing dominant male personalities.
7. Called Out on Air Over the Caitlyn Clark Controversy
September 2024 brought a tense moment when both Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe publicly criticized Molly on air for not supporting their stance on WNBA star Caitlyn Clark. Molly’s uncomfortable body language showed her struggling to maintain professionalism under the two-against-one pressure. The incident sparked conversations about respect and solidarity among co-hosts.
8. Targeted for Eating on Set During a Long Show
In June 2024, Molly faced pointed remarks about her snacking habits on air. Comments about how much and what she was eating sparked discomfort among viewers, who noted male hosts rarely face such scrutiny. Molly tried to stay professional despite the awkwardness, highlighting the gendered double standards female hosts endure.
9. Getting Roasted for Too Many Coffee Mugs on Desk
On May 7th, 2024, cameras revealed Molly’s desk cluttered with four or five coffee mugs. Steven A. Smith jokingly called it “a whole coffee shop,” and Molly sheepishly laughed, trying to hide one mug from view. The light-hearted moment went viral, showing a more human side of the polished host.
10. Falling for a Viral Social Media Hoax
In July 2025, Molly introduced a clip she believed showed Steelers wide receiver George Pickkins making a great catch during Cowboys training camp. The problem? The footage was actually old clips of Cowboys receiver Brandon Cooks. The mix-up stemmed from a viral social media troll post. Molly professionally apologized on air, but the incident highlighted the challenges of fact-checking in today’s fast-paced sports media.
These moments remind us that live TV is unpredictable, and even the most composed hosts have their human slip-ups. Molly Karum’s candid reactions and occasional blunders only made her more relatable to fans, showing the real person behind the polished broadcast.
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