Craig Melvin shocked TODAY show fans when he unveiled a neck tattoo of Savannah Guthrie after losing a bet. The playful wager took an unexpected turn when his wife reacted furiously, hinting at possible divorce plans. What happened behind the scenes, and how did this friendly gamble turn into a personal crisis? Read on for the full scoop!
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Craig Melvin’s Unbelievable Bet with Savannah Guthrie
TODAY’s newest co-anchor, Craig Melvin, has just learned a crucial lesson: never make a bet unless you’re prepared for the consequences. Viewers tuning into TODAY on January 27 were stunned to see Melvin sporting a tattoo of his co-anchor Savannah Guthrie’s face on his neck. But what led to this shocking move?
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It all started as a friendly wager between co-workers. Guthrie, a devoted fan of the Philadelphia Eagles, confidently placed a bet with Melvin, who supports the Washington Commanders. The stakes? The loser would have to wear a temporary tattoo of the winner’s face in a highly visible location for a full week. When the Eagles triumphed over the Commanders in the NFC Championship game, Melvin had no choice but to honor the deal.
The Moment of Truth: Craig Melvin Gets Inked on Live TV
In a moment that left audiences in stitches, Melvin sat in the TODAY studio as Carson Daly gleefully applied the temporary tattoo to the back of his neck. The illustration featured Savannah Guthrie wearing an Eagles hat, complete with the team’s logo superimposed over it.
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“Let this be a lesson—don’t gamble!” Melvin quipped as the tattoo was placed. The entire segment was broadcast live, with co-hosts laughing at the hilarious yet embarrassing situation. Daly, clearly thrilled to be part of the fun, couldn’t contain his excitement, making the moment even more entertaining for viewers.
For the rest of the show, Melvin had to proudly display the tattoo, much to the delight of Guthrie and TODAY fans. But while the bet was all in good humor, things took a serious turn when his wife caught wind of the stunt.
Craig Melvin’s Wife’s Furious Reaction
What started as a lighthearted joke quickly escalated into a marital crisis. According to close sources, Melvin’s wife, Lindsay Czarniak, was less than amused by her husband’s new ink—temporary or not. The idea of her husband parading around with another woman’s face on his neck, even for a few days, was reportedly too much for her to handle.
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An insider revealed that Lindsay was “absolutely furious” when she first saw the tattoo. “She felt humiliated and disrespected. It wasn’t about Savannah personally, but about the principle of it. Craig making a bet like this without considering how she would feel really hurt her.”
Friends close to the couple claim that Lindsay even hinted at divorce in the heat of the moment. “She told him, ‘If you love your co-anchor so much, maybe you should go live with her!’” one source said. While it was likely said in frustration, the comment left many wondering if this playful wager could have lasting consequences on their marriage.
Fans React: Comedy Gold or Relationship Nightmare?
The internet was divided on Melvin’s predicament. While many found the situation hilarious, others sympathized with Lindsay’s reaction.
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“Craig took one for the team! But I can see why his wife would be upset,” one fan tweeted. Another wrote, “If my husband came home with a tattoo of his female colleague, even temporarily, I’d be LIVID. I get it, Lindsay.”
On the other hand, some saw it as harmless fun. “It’s a joke, people! She should be laughing with him,” a viewer commented on TODAY’s Instagram post.
The debate over whether the bet was in good fun or a relationship faux pas continued to trend across social media platforms, with thousands of comments pouring in.
The Aftermath: Did Melvin’s Marriage Survive the Bet?
While Lindsay’s initial reaction was explosive, sources say Melvin worked hard to smooth things over. He reportedly apologized profusely and made it clear that he never intended to embarrass or upset her. In a private moment, Melvin reassured his wife that the bet was all in the spirit of friendly competition and that Savannah was nothing more than a respected colleague.
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Whether this incident will have long-term effects on their marriage remains to be seen. However, one thing is for sure: Melvin won’t be making any more risky bets anytime soon!
A Lesson Learned the Hard Way
Craig Melvin’s gamble may have provided some great television moments, but it also served as a reminder that even the most lighthearted bets can have unintended consequences. While fans had a great laugh, Melvin was left dealing with real-life drama at home.
So, what do you think? Was Lindsay right to be upset, or was it all just innocent fun? Let us know in the comments below! And remember—think twice before making a bet, especially when it involves tattoos and national television!
