“Today” colleague Craig Melvin also called out Kelly’s comments for being “stupid” and “indefensible.” He pointed out that this controversy is an opportunity to inform people — but said most people already knew how offensive blackface is.

Lester Holt covered the Kelly story when few other networks paid it any attention. Roker, Melvin and other members of the “Today” show cast had a remarkably candid conversation about the controversy during the 7 a.m. hour of the show.

The situation demonstrates the continuing unease about and disarray within NBC News over Kelly, whose hire and installation in the network’s morning hours was controversial.