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 interview turned to Miller’s emotions given the passing of his younger brother, Chelone, who died last year. A visibly emotional Miller began crying during the interview, leaning against a railing.

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Men’s super-G joint bronze medal winner Bode Miller of the United States breaks down in tears during an interview at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics on Sunday. The Associated Press

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.

“I appreciate everyone sticking up for me,” Miller tweeted on Monday. “Please be gentle w christin cooper, it was crazy emotional and not all her fault. #heatofthemoment”

Miller was a trending topic on Twitter in the United States about three hours after the tweet and critics said the interview was insensitive.

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.”

“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.”

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