Molly Qerim’s Ex-Husband Confronts Stephen A. Smith After Explosive Harassment Allegations and ESPN Exit

The world of sports media was rocked this week after Molly Qerim’s abrupt departure from ESPN’s “First Take”—and the fallout has exposed a web of betrayal, hypocrisy, and power plays that few saw coming. At the center of it all: Stephen A. Smith, whose actions have drawn the ire not only of viewers and industry insiders, but also Molly’s ex-husband, who reportedly confronted Smith over allegations of harassment and mistreatment.

A Sudden Exit and a Shocking Leak

On September 15, 2025, Molly Qerim arrived at ESPN studios for what she thought would be another routine day hosting “First Take.” By the end of the day, everything had changed. Within hours, news broke that Molly was leaving ESPN after failed contract negotiations, and her exit was immediate—no farewell, no tribute, just gone.

But the real bombshell came when Stephen A. Smith allegedly leaked a video of Molly that threatened to tarnish her reputation and erase years of hard-earned respect in the industry. The footage, meant to remain private, was suddenly everywhere, and the damage was irreversible.

Behind the Scenes: Money, Power, and Control

Insiders, including former ESPN host Marcellus Wiley, quickly pointed out that Molly’s exit wasn’t just about money. ESPN had offered her a paltry $500,000 a year—far less than her peers—while Fox Sports dangled a $2 million annual contract. But the real drama was in the negotiations themselves. As executive producer, Stephen A. Smith held immense power over Molly’s contract, hiring, and firing. When she asked for fair pay and her own show, Smith reportedly blocked her efforts, fearing competition and loss of control.

The Ex-Husband Steps In

Amid the chaos, Molly’s ex-husband, former NBA star Jalen Rose, reportedly confronted Stephen A. Smith behind the scenes. Sources say Rose was furious over the leaked video and allegations that Smith had harassed Molly during her time at ESPN. The confrontation was tense, with Rose demanding accountability and respect for Molly’s decade-long contributions to “First Take.”

Stephen A’s Hypocrisy Exposed

What made the situation even more explosive was Stephen A. Smith’s public behavior. On air, he played the role of supportive colleague, calling Molly a “friend” and asking viewers to respect her privacy. But off camera, he made veiled comments about contract disputes and questioned Molly’s value to the show. This double standard was glaring—especially considering Smith had previously demanded $25 million a year from ESPN, making his own contract drama public across multiple platforms.

Industry insiders and fellow media personalities, like Emmanuel Acho, called out Smith’s hypocrisy. Why was it acceptable for him to fight for a massive payday, but Molly was “delusional” for asking for fair compensation? The double standard was clear, and the internet erupted in support of Molly.

A Pattern of Betrayal

Molly’s exit is not the first time a co-host has left “First Take” under mysterious circumstances. Carrie Champion, Max Kellerman, and Shannon Sharpe all departed after tensions with Stephen A. Smith. Each time, Smith’s influence and control over the show played a role.

Molly’s Silent Protest

Perhaps the loudest statement came from Molly herself. In her goodbye message, she thanked everyone—except Stephen A. Smith. After ten years working side by side, she chose silence over a fake farewell. It was a deliberate move, signaling the deep rift between them and letting the world know that the business behind the scenes was ugly.

The Aftermath: Loyalty vs. Ego

In the end, Molly Qerim walked away with her dignity intact and a lucrative deal at Fox Sports. Stephen A. Smith may have the money and the power, but Molly has the truth—and the support of fans and colleagues who see through the hypocrisy. Her exit marks not just the end of an era at ESPN, but the beginning of long-overdue conversations about respect, fair pay, and loyalty in sports media.

As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the truth always comes out, and Molly Qerim’s story is a powerful reminder that integrity matters more than ego.