In February 2016, Penélope Cruz found herself in an unexpected and somewhat awkward situation during a live interview on NBC's Today show. While promoting her role in Zoolander 2, host Savannah Guthrie brought up an unusual topic: Cruz's feet.
The Awkward Exchange
As the interview progressed, Guthrie referenced a previous comment Cruz allegedly made about her feet, stating, "I think you said it, that you, despite what you look like... you've said you have ugly feet." Cruz, visibly taken aback, quickly responded, "No, no, no, no. I haven't said that. I'm OK, I'm OK with my feet." She further explained, "When you're a ballet dancer, you lose your toenails. You get used to throwing them away. You don't even feel it anymore." Attempting to clarify, Guthrie asked, "Your feet are pretty?" To which Cruz replied, "I don't think they're pretty, I think they're normal."
The Backstory
The confusion likely stemmed from a 2012 article in the Daily Mail, which included Cruz in a list of celebrities with "ugly feet." The piece cited a podiatric surgeon who described Cruz's toes as "deformed" and suggested they might need surgical realignment. However, Cruz had never publicly commented on her feet before this interview, making Guthrie's question all the more surprising.
Cruz's Poised Response
Despite the uncomfortable question, Cruz handled the situation with grace and humor. Later that evening, she appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, confidently wearing open-toed heels, showcasing her "normal" feet. Her poised response turned an awkward moment into a testament to her professionalism and composure.
While the "ugly feet" question may have been an unfortunate misstep in the interview, Cruz's reaction demonstrated her ability to navigate unexpected situations with elegance. This incident serves as a reminder that even celebrities are sometimes subjected to odd questions, but how they respond can leave a lasting impression.
