‘GMA’ Robin Roberts Asks Why Co-Host Ruined Positive Story

Good Morning America host Robin Roberts asked why her co-host ruined a positive story during Monday’s talk show.

Robin is back in her seat after an unexplained absence last Friday. But today she had a sharp retort for co-host Lara Spencer. After a heartwarming segment, Lara read off a health warning that prompted Robin to scold her for ending the segment on a sour note. Even Lara seemed to realize that she was turning something positive into a somber moment, covering her mouth with her hands. Here’s what Lara said that caused Robin to speak up.

Robin Returns In Time For Heartwarming Story

Robin Roberts was on a long vacation prior to last week, enjoying the summer with her fiance. She resurfaced to cover Wimbledon in London with co-host Lara Spencer. And then returned to the desk on Thursday. Friday, however, both she and co-host Michael Strahan were inexplicably absent. The two prompted rumors and speculation, but never provided a reason for their sudden absence on Friday.

Both returned to the studio on Monday and resumed their spots as normal. Robin’s return this week was just in time for her favorite kind of story: the heartwarming kind.

Lara Spencer started off the segment on Monday by sharing a story about a 15-year-old girl swimming around Manhattan in support of a good cause. Lara explained that the high school junior, named Maya, swam 28.5 miles around the island. During her swim, Maya passed under 20 bridges and through three rivers. She wrapped up her marathon swim in eight hours and 43 minutes.

Maya’s impressive feat was undertaken in support of Swim Across America, which raises money for cancer research. The 15-year-old said the cause pushed her to “keep going.”

GMA’s Robin Roberts Asks Why Co-Host Lara Ruined A Positive Story

Over the past 8 years, Maya has raised over $60,000 in fundraising. It was an impressive story of an impressive feat of dedication, and the hosts enjoyed smiles as they considered Maya’s efforts.

But then, Lara read off the next part of her segment, and it brought everything to a screeching halt. Lara provided a health warning for those hoping to follow in Maya’s swim shoes. She read that guidelines say it’s okay to swim around Manhattan, “as long as you keep your head above water and your mouth closed at all times to reduce direct exposure to, and I quote, ‘Parasites, bacteria, and other microorganisms found in rivers like the Hudson.'”

While reading it, Lara covered her mouth with her hands, seemingly keenly aware of the grim direction she took the lighthearted story. A flabbergasted Robin laughed, asking Lara why she had to end the story on such a dark note. Robin said, “It was a feel-good story.” Co-host George Stephanopoulos interjected, “Cause, you know, somebody else is gonna go jump in the river.” Lara chimed in that the show just wants to make sure everyone is “aware.” She then praised Maya’s efforts before the hosts moved on.

Did you find Lara Spencer’s addition to be unnecessary, like Robin Roberts? Or do you side with George Stephanopoulos about needing to make sure people don’t blindly jump in without all the info? Sound off in the comments. And catch the whole GMA crew on weekdays at 7 AM EST on ABC.