Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kotb Defend Olivia Culpo's Modest Wedding Dress After Criticism from 'Trolls'

The talk show hosts responded to all the backlash around Culpo's conservative bridal look for her Rhode Island nuptials to Christian McCaffrey

THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON -- Episode 1717 -- Pictured: TV personality Jenna Bush Hager poses backstage on Monday, September 26, 2022; Hoda Kotb attends the 2022 Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame at The Ziegfeld Ballroom on April 14, 2022 in New York City; Olivia Culpo attends The Fashion Awards 2023 presented by Pandora at the Royal Albert Hall on December 04, 2023 in London, England
Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kotb defend Olivia Culpo's wedding dress. Photo:

Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty; Jamie McCarthy/Getty; Samir Hussein/WireImage

Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kotb are team Olivia Culpo.

On the July 9 episode of Today with Hoda & Jenna, the co-hosts weighed in on the criticism the former Miss USA, 32, received after she walked down the aisle in a modest Dolce & Gabbana gown featuring a high-neck and long-sleeves, which Culpo chose because she “didn't want it to exude sex in any way, shape or form.” 

“We think she looks beautiful.” Bush Hager, 42, said. 

“Why does anybody feel like they get to comment on how she’s dressed? She looks beautiful. People were down in their basements saying she's too covered up? You can't win," she added. 

Kotb, 59, agreed. “I don’t like reading negative comments from trolls. I really don’t. How about that?” she said, to which they clapped and clinked their glasses. 

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Culpo and San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey tied the knot on June 29 in Rhode Island. Vogue revealed the photos from the romantic nuptials and soon after, Culpo’s ceremony gown (she wore three on the day), were subject to criticism online. 

Stylist Kennedy Bingham, who’s known as @gowneyedgirl on social media, took to Instagram and TikTok to critique Culpo’s dress. She said there was "nothing wrong" with Culpo's decision to wear "modest attire," but the "way that she was talking about this went beyond just wanting something modest for herself and pushing this idea of what she thinks all brides should look like."

Bingham also called out the reality television star for working with Dolce & Gabbana, citing the founders' past stance on same-sex couples and some of the brand's controversial campaigns and collections. 

Culpo and her husband both responded.

"Wow what an absolutely evil person you are, I hope no one ever tears you apart in this way because it's extremely hurtful. I love this dress and it was everything I ever wanted and more," Culpo commented under Bingham’s TikTok video posted on July 1. 

"What an evil thing to post online. I hope you can find joy and peace in the world, the way my beautiful wife does,” McCaffrey said in defense of his wife. 

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Culpo was also hit with negative comments about her decision to go without mascara for her big day (some have responded saying she might’ve gotten unmentioned treatments done to make her lashes look full). 

"I love her lash lift it looks stunning on her" Arena wrote in the comment section of her TikTok video speaking on Culpo’s glam. "I’m just saying be transparent on why you aren’t wearing mascara etc bc so many young girls will compare themselves.” 

Culpo, who detailed her cosmetic procedures — including a lash lift — in a TikTok video she shared before heading to Coachella, responded: “It was an interview….. they asked me what my makeup was...”

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