Today show security protocols tightened after Studio 1A intruder
Today producers capped studio entourages at two people per guest after Craig Melvin was allegedly confronted on set.
By Bianca Rossi · Entertainment Editor
2 min read
The Today show security protocols have been tightened after an alleged on-set intrusion at Studio 1A, with producers telling publicists that guests may now bring only two people into the studio for an interview.
According to an email from Today producers reported by Variety, the rule took effect immediately Thursday “in light of recent events.” The limit applies to anyone accompanying a guest, including publicists, hair and makeup staff, social media team members, photographers, stylists, studio representatives and other support personnel.
Producers said in the email, according to Variety, that there would be “no exceptions or additional personnel” allowed in the studio during interviews. People beyond the two-person limit may wait in the green room, and producers encouraged guests to bring only essential team members to the show.
What are the Today show security protocols now?
Each Today show guest is allowed a maximum of two accompanying people in the studio during an interview, according to the producers’ email reported by Variety. The policy covers the guest’s entire support group, from PR representatives to stylists and photographers.
The change follows an incident a week earlier in which a man later identified as Andrew Truelove allegedly got past a security guard and entered an unauthorized area of the Today set, according to Rolling Stone.
Rolling Stone reported that Truelove was looking for Today weather anchor Al Roker, who was not on camera at the time. He allegedly approached co-host Craig Melvin instead and used a racial slur before being detained.
Melvin addressed viewers the next day, saying an intruder had entered an unauthorized area at Studio 1A. “Thankfully he was apprehended quickly, he was placed under arrest, we are cooperating fully with NYPD as they investigate the matter, and we are just very happy that everyone is safe,” Melvin told the Today audience, according to Rolling Stone.
The NYPD arrested Truelove after the incident, Rolling Stone reported. He was charged with three felonies: hate crime, burglary; hate crime, menacing; and hate crime, criminal trespass. He was also charged with harassment.
The reports did not include a comment from Truelove. Rolling Stone also reported that an NBC security guard was reportedly fired after the incident.
In their note to publicists, producers acknowledged the studio-access limit marks a change from past practice and thanked recipients for their flexibility, according to Variety. The new rule narrows who can stand close to the live broadcast action, while still allowing extra members of a guest’s team to remain elsewhere inside the building.
This story draws on original reporting from Rolling Stone.