The “Primal Fear” actor’s promotional stop for his new project took an unexpected turn, sparking widespread reactions after an unforeseen live TV moment.

On November 20, 2024, Richard Gere’s live appearance on the “Today” show left host Savannah Guthrie momentarily flustered after an unexpected and controversial gesture. The incident occurred during a discussion about Gere’s upcoming thriller, “The Agency.” The 75-year-old actor surprised viewers and Guthrie by raising his middle finger on air, leading to an immediate and pointed reaction from the host.

“What did you just do?” Guthrie exclaimed, scrambling to shield the gesture behind a stack of papers. “You just did an obscene gesture on this family morning show!” the 52-year-old anchor scolded the A-lister.

Gere appeared to quickly realize his mistake, lowering his hand while offering a light-hearted explanation and apology. He attempted to smooth over the awkward moment with humor, saying, “My hand did that, I didn’t do it! I have no control!”

The “Runaway Bride” actor clarified that the gesture referenced a moment in a clip from “The Agency” shown earlier during the broadcast. The snippet, however, had been edited to exclude the scene in which Gere’s character makes the same gesture.

“You didn’t show but that’s what I did in the piece. That’s what the clip was!” Gere explained, defending his action. Guthrie quickly responded, “That’s what the clip was but we cut that part out.”

Despite the explanation, Guthrie continued to playfully block Gere’s hand, saying, “I’m bleeping you!” as she attempted to move past the awkward exchange. The moment drew immediate reactions online, sparking a wave of comments from fans on social media.

One user wrote, “Another uncouth celeb. Next.” Another criticized the actor, writing, “He shouldn’t be flipping off anybody. Have some class Richard.” A third echoed similar sentiments, saying, “He’s so arrogant!” while another netizen added, “I never liked him. He’s so smug. He thinks he’s handsome and he’s not.”

Others had a different perspective on the incident. One user defended Gere, saying, “It was barely noticeable. It could pass as hit index finger. Her saying an ‘obscene gesture’ just made it something much more [sic].” Another user remarked, “Lol good for him she probably deserved it.” A similar sentiment appeared in a comment that read, “She deserves it.”

Several viewers expressed their discomfort with the interview. “It was an awkward interview. So hard to watch,” one comment read. Another stated, “Sometimes Savannah is just too MUCH 🤷‍♀️.”

Some downplayed the situation entirely. One person wrote, “It’s really not a big deal. The live part of this show makes a bit unpredictable and fun. And btw….99.9% of kids should be on way/in school, not watching the Today show [sic].”

The controversial moment with Gere was not the only eyebrow-raising incident on the “Today” show this week. In an ironic twist, Savannah Guthrie referenced another slip-up during Gere’s interview, saying, “You know, Cher was on here doing an F-bomb yesterday, so I don’t know what’s happening.”

A day before Gere’s appearance, the 78-year-old legendary singer accidentally let an uncensored expletive slip during a live broadcast. The moment came while she recollected advice from comedian Lucille Ball during Cher’s tumultuous marriage to her ex-husband Sonny Bono.

“What did she tell you to do?” host Hoda Kotb asked during the discussion. “I can’t say it on TV,” Cher replied cautiously, prompting Kotb to assure her, “We’ll bleep it.” However, the show’s live production team failed to censor Cher in time. As she shared Ball’s advice, the expletive aired uncensored.

“I said, ‘Lucy, I’m calling you because, to my knowledge, there’s never been a situation besides mine except yours,'” Cher recounted, pointing toward Ball’s widely publicized divorce from her spouse, Desi Arnaz. “She said, ‘[Expletive] him. You’re the one with the talent.'”

Kotb, visibly caught off guard, attempted to laugh off the mishap. “I should’ve bleeped it myself. Bleep,” she quipped. Guthrie’s reference to Cher’s slip added an extra layer of humor to her playful scolding of Gere during his interview. Moreover, the back-to-back live mishaps shed light on the unpredictable nature of live television, keeping viewers entertained and talking long after the broadcast ended.

As for Gere’s new project, “The Agency,” it promises to plunge viewers into a complex world of international espionage and high-stakes intrigue. Loosely based on the 2015 series “The Bureau,” the show explores the sacrifices and moral quandaries faced by covert operatives. Gere stars alongside Michael Fassbender, Jeffrey Wright, and Jodie Turner-Smith in this gripping drama series.

The plot centers on a CIA operative, Martian, who is forced to leave his undercover identity and return to London Station. Things take a dramatic turn when his former love unexpectedly reappears, reigniting their romance and throwing his mission — and life — into chaos. Torn between his duties and his heart, Martian becomes entangled in a deadly game of espionage that threatens not only his career but also global stability.

The first trailer for the series dropped on October 24, 2024, and was met with intrigue and excitement. The second trailer, which aired the same day as Gere’s infamous live appearance, added to the buzz, offering viewers a glimpse into the show’s action-packed narrative and intense performances. The first episode of the spy fiction TV series will stream on November 29.

Gere is an iconic actor whose work has left a lasting mark on American cinema. The star has remained a defining figure in Hollywood for over five decades, captivating audiences with his striking performances and charismatic presence.

Yet despite his fame, he’s long preferred a life outside Hollywood’s constant spotlight. Now, he’s taking an even bigger step — leaving America altogether. So what’s behind this surprising move?

Born on August 31, 1949, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Gere rose to fame in the late 1970s and 1980s, swiftly establishing himself as a versatile talent capable of portraying everything from dashing romantic leads to deeply complex characters.

Over the years, he has accumulated numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe for his role in “Chicago,” cementing his status as a Hollywood legend.

However, despite his fame and success, the star has always seemed to gravitate toward a life outside the Hollywood spotlight. In recent years, he has focused on humanitarian work, using his platform to raise awareness on issues like human rights and global peace.

This passion for meaningful, quieter pursuits has led him to an important personal decision: leaving the United States and moving to Spain, where he plans to embrace a more relaxed and family-centered life.

During an interview in early 2024, Richard opened up about his decision to relocate, expressing excitement for the adventure that lies ahead. He revealed that his family would soon be moving to Madrid — a choice inspired, in part, by his Spanish wife, Alejandra Silva, and her strong ties to the country.

“For me, going to Madrid is going to be a great adventure because I’ve never lived full-time outside the United States. She was very generous to give me six years living in my world, so I think it’s only fair that I give her at least another six living in hers,” he said during an interview with Vanity Fair España.

“In any case, I love Spain and I think your lifestyle is fabulous. So is your ability to live with joy and happiness. It’s a beautiful place, the food is extraordinary and the people are so sensitive and generous and have a strong will to laugh and enjoy themselves,” the actor continued.

The couple married in 2018 in a heartfelt ceremony in Madrid. Since then, they have built a close-knit family, welcoming two children.

The move also presents a unique opportunity for Gere’s young children to connect with their Spanish heritage and grow up surrounded by the culture that shaped their mother’s life.

The “Arbitrage” star expressed how wonderful it would be for his wife to be closer to her family and longtime friends, adding, “I’m looking forward to going there.”

As part of this transition, the couple made headlines when they sold their Connecticut estate in October 2024. The property, which Gere had bought just two years prior from musician Paul Simon and his wife Edie Brickell, featured nearly 32 acres of stunning countryside, complete with woodland trails, gardens, a pool, and even a waterfall.

Though the sale marked a slight financial loss, the decision reflected his commitment to moving forward with this new chapter. Before settling in Connecticut, Gere had lived in the upscale enclave of Pound Ridge, New York, before selling that property in 2022.

With the sale of their Connecticut home, Gere and his wife are one step closer to their new life in Spain, where they’ll trade the bustling American lifestyle for the tranquility and cultural richness of Madrid.

In choosing to relocate to Spain, Richard Gere has embraced a life focused on family, tranquility, and cultural connection. Leaving behind Hollywood’s demands, he is set to embark on a new chapter alongside Alejandra and their children, drawn by the promise of a balanced and deeply fulfilling life in Madrid.