Yesterday, we shared the uniquely awkward moment in which “heartthrob of the Olympics” Pita Taufatofua was accosted by Al Roker, Hoda Kotb, and Jenna Bush during a cringeworthy Today Show segment. The clip features that chirpy trio breathlessly smearing palmfuls of coconut oil all over the shirtless flag bearer and 32-year-old Taekwondo fighter, while he appears frozen in an otherworldly thrall of discomfort.
Related: “Today” In Supreme Awkwardness: Al Roker And Co. Smear Lotion All Over Studly Tongan Olympian
Now, another Today Show personality has lured Taufatofua into even more smeary shenanigans: Alex Ficquette (aka Alex on the Plaza) asks Taufatofua if he’d be so willing to demonstrate how to best apply coconut oil to one’s own physique — y’know, in order to better show off their gleaming musculature. Because, much like masturbation, it’s just not the sort of thing you should learn how to do alone.
Taufotofua, to his credit, is all too happy to oblige, smearing Alex’s biceps in the stuff and being an overall good sport.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
“Where do I start? What do I do?” Ficquette airily wonders.
“Okay, it’s magic stuff. As soon as it touches your skin…”
“Muscles grow?”
“Muscles grow. 100%… 100% better.”
Related: Tom Daley Unwittingly Steals Spotlight From Equally Adept, Equally Speedoed Daniel Goodfellow
As Ficquette continues gamely smearing Alex with coconut oil, Alex decides to openly flirt with the athlete. That’s when the segment’s editors take it upon themselves to not-so-subtly telegraph their displeasure by employing that overplayed “record-ripped-off-its-spindle” sound effect.
“And if I’m on Tonga, does it always get put on by somebody like you…?” Alex crows.
Watch the segment below:
Paco
I think he is loving the attention.
Dave Downunder
Why has the Today show honed on on this guy like this. There are plenty of other hunky athletes they could be targeting as well but I guess maybe he is the only one willing to out up with their crap.
Kangol
@Dave Downunder: The media are very predictable. He drew immediate attention on opening night, so they’re focusing on him. He’s easy on the eyes, though, and maybe some viewers will Google “Tonga” as a result.
Dave Downunder
@Kangol: I agree he is a total babe I just feel sorry for him having to put up with their objectification. If they were focused on him for his sport and the reason that he is in Rio n the first place, the Olympics, I wouldn’t feel so bad for him. BTW he actually lives in Australia in Brisbane and helps train homeless children with life skills. Cool guy. Very glad that he is representing Tonga in the Olympics though, very nice people over there. They make you feel like one of the family.
Tobi
@Dave Downunder: It’s a pity then that consensual same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Tonga with a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment. Oh, and I’d prefer not to feel like one of family when the offenders may also be whipped as a punishment if convicted.
Ukin Blome
@Tobi: Some people would pay good money for that whipping, especially if it was from Pita Taufatofua .
Dave Downunder
@Tobi: I never had any problems while I was there.