An Instant Classic: Jonathan Groff's Accidental NSFW Blunder Takes Center Stage at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Discussion

1. The show, starring Jonathan Groff, recently received a Grammy nomination.​

The annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a cherished American tradition, known for its dazzling floats, massive balloons, and Broadway performances that kick off the holiday season. However, this year, the chatter around one of the parade's biggest stars has taken a hilarious, and slightly NSFW, turn thanks to an on-air slip-up that's now going viral across the United States.

​Tony Award-winner Jonathan Groff, currently starring in the hit Broadway jukebox musical Just in Time, was scheduled to perform at the 2025 parade. But it was his pre-parade interview, not the performance itself, that delivered an unforgettable moment of pure, unscripted comedy.

​The Interview That Launched a Thousand Laughs

​The incident occurred during Groff's appearance on a major morning show on Monday, November 24, 2025, where he was discussing his upcoming performance. Joined by his former Merrily We Roll Along co-stars, Daniel Radcliffe and Lindsay Mendez, the atmosphere was already lighthearted.

​The subject turned to the notoriously chilly late-November weather in New York City and the logistics of performing in a parade. A co-host, Andy Cohen, asked Groff if he had a "good coat" to help brave the cold in his stage costume.

​Groff's response—and subsequent, rapid-fire correction—is what has set the internet ablaze:

​"I am just gonna brave the cold in the costume. I've decided to just not wear any undergarments," Groff stated.

​The audience, his co-stars, and even Groff himself erupted in immediate laughter. The sheer implication of the phrase "not wear any undergarments" while performing live on national television quickly sunk in.

​🥶 From Bare to Layers: Groff's Quick Clarification

​Realizing the sensational (and potentially inappropriate) nature of his statement for morning TV, Groff quickly attempted to clarify, covering his face in humorous embarrassment:

• ​"Any extra undergarments!" he quickly amended. "No, you need long underwear!"

​The moment, however, was already a classic. Groff’s initial comment, taken literally, suggested a "freeballing" approach to the parade—a term that even caused some hosts to blush and chuckle over its use on daytime television.

• ​The Intent: Groff meant he was opting out of additional layers (like thermal underwear or long johns) in favor of just his costume.
• ​The Delivery: He inadvertently implied he wouldn't be wearing any underwear at all.
• ​The Result: An accidental NSFW moment that became the most talked-about soundbite of the pre-Thanksgiving coverage.

​🎭 Why This Blunder is the Best Kind of Publicity

​For Broadway fans and general audiences alike, this hilarious slip-up is an endearing example of the actor's charmingly candid personality.

1. ​Humanizing a Star: Groff, known for serious roles in Mindhunter and his iconic voice work in Frozen, is reminded to the public as a genuinely funny and human figure, capable of making relatable (if slightly mortifying) public speaking gaffes.​
2. Driving Buzz: The moment created significant buzz for his Broadway show, Just in Time. It guarantees viewers who might have missed the rehearsal sneak peeks will tune in to see the cold-braving star in action.
3. Viral Content Gold: In today's digital landscape, a perfectly timed and embarrassing slip is a recipe for going viral, generating millions of views and engagement across social media platforms.​

The 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade delivered on its promise of star power, but it will be Jonathan Groff’s accidental confession about his extra undergarments that will be recounted at many a Thanksgiving dinner table this year.

​🦃 Ready to Watch the Freeballing Performance?

​Did you catch Jonathan Groff's performance with the cast of Just in Time? What was your favorite moment from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade this year?