

ESPN First Take host, Molly Qerim, was subject to the terror infused on live TV as the rare earthquake hit New York on Friday. Qerim somehow managed to keep her calm on live television. The 40 YO hosts the popular ESPN debate show right from the studio, joined by Stephen A. Smith, appearing on the show for a brief moment, along with their regular guest, Kendrick Perkins.
Right in the middle of the show, Qerim was a bit unnerved and drew Stephen A’s attention to the 4.7 magnitude earthquake around 10:23 AM ET in a pretty serious tonality, causing Smith’s facial reactions to go from his usually jolly ones to a pretty shocked one. She quickly interrupted the duo and swore she felt the earthquake, which was later confirmed by someone around her on the sets too. “This is serious I am not even joking. I lived in LA for four years and experienced two earthquakes,” she said. Qerim further added, “This was absolutely insane. The whole studio, everything. I’m risking my life to be out here for all of you. I didn’t even shake, I didn’t even move. I was focused.”
It was after these statements that the earthquake was officially confirmed. Post this petrifying moment, the show cut to a break quickly.
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The rare earthquake was felt across the entire Northeast, from Maryland through New Hampshire. As per the US Geological Survey, the epicenter was in New Jersey. Post the earthquake, social media posts came flowing in, with thousands of users on X and Instagram coming in from NYC, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. There were plenty of reports coming in from people in Manhattan who said they felt the buildings shaking.
And even though First Take continued to be scheduled as per their regular schedule after the terrifying event, people couldn’t help but appreciate Molly Qerim for keeping her composure throughout.
People praise Molly Qerim for her on-air response
Qerim’s response to the earthquake stood out. It maintained the integrity of the show. Molly Qerim’s response spoke a lot about her professionalism and dedication to her craft. One person commented, “Bro she was calm asf “, while another one commented, “Molly more calm in an earthquake than I would be if she was on First Take live with me, lawd hammercy”. And yet another one couldn’t help but appreciate the professionalism she displayed throughout. “Talk about being professional. Respect.” And then one user points out, “in a whole earthquake and she still lookin fine asf”
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Right on top of the video, you can also see a screenshot of a comment left by @shannnonsharpee’s parody account, which reads, “You can see Molly shaking on 1st take as soon as earthquake hit”.
Some people were also quick to note the change on Stephen A and Perkins’ faces, saying, “The immediate concern on SA and Perkins face”. Another user found the whole reaction from Smith a bit too funny, saying, “Molly is so beautiful bruh. That Stephen Face after she said they had an earthquake always makes me laugh!”
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While the earthquake caused disruptions and shock throughout the city, no major injuries or widespread damage were reported.
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