Bode Miller interview: U.S. Olympic skier responds to criticism of NBC

SOCHI, Russia -- American skier Bode Miller is responding to criticism of an NBC post-race interview by saying it was a "crazy emotional moment."

The moment drew backlash toward interviewer Christin Cooper, who pressed Miller about his brother, and NBC, which aired the full tape-delayed interview in primetime in the United States several hours later.

Miller, who is now the oldest Alpine medalist in Olympic history, took to Twitter on Monday to defend Cooper:

Miller was a trending topic on Twitter in the United States for much of the day after the tweet and critics said the interview was insensitive.

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Richard Sandomir of The New York Times called it "overkill," Kami Mattioli of the Sporting News said Cooper "repeatedly badgered" Miller and the AP's David Bauder called it "a shameful spectacle."

NBC said in a statement that its intent was to convey the emotion Miller felt.

"We understand how some viewers thought the line of questioning went too far, but it was our judgment that his answers were a necessary part of the story," the statement said.

"My emotions were very raw, she asked the questions that every interviewer would have," Miller said in another tweet. "Pushing is part of it, she wasnt trying to cause pain."