After his medal-winning run, Bode Miller was brought to tears by an NBC reporter who continued to ask questions about his late brother, Chelone, who died of a seizure.
As New York Magazine pointed out, just 10 months after losing his brother, NBC reporter Christin Cooper pressed the 36-year-old not about his run, but about his dead brother.
Cooper asked Miller about his brother and would not let up with the insensitive questions until he was overcome with too much emotion to even speak. The skier then wept uncontrollably on camera.
Shortly after the interview aired, the internet exploded with anger towards Cooper.
Viewers felt that the anger was warranted because Miller is regarded as one of the best Alpine skiers of all time and should have been given a more respectful send-off in his final Olympics.
However, after the backlash from his fans and fellow athletes, Miller took the high road and on his Twitter account asked that everyone give Cooper a break.
I appreciate everyone sticking up for me. Please be gentle w christin cooper, it was crazy emotional and not all her fault. #heatofthemoment
NBC Sports has since released a statement to TheWrap addressing the interview.
Our intent was to convey the emotion that Bode Miller was feeling after winning his bronze medal,” the statement read. “We understand how some viewers thought the line of questioning went too far, but it was our judgment that his answers were a necessary part of the story. We’re gratified that Bode has been publicly supportive of Christin Cooper and the overall interview.