A viral clip showing a group of male fans interrupting a female sports reporter during a broadcast sparked outrage online. And a therapist who specializes in workplace issues thinks the situation prompted an important conversation.
On Sunday, Brett Austin Taylor, sports director at ABC affiliate KEZI 9 News in Oregon, said tweeted a video clip which revealed that KEZI sportscaster Olivia Cleary was covering a college football game between Oregon State University and Lafayette University over the weekend as a group of young men repeatedly shouted over her.
Cleary notably maintained her composure as the rowdy fans directly behind her shouted, made hand gestures and at times blocked her from view. Many commentators online praised Cleary for continuing her broadcast despite the disruptive behavior. Others wondered whether the reporter felt in a safe environment.
A representative for KEZI 9 News did not immediately return HuffPost’s request for comment. The official X account for OSU’s athletics program released a statement on Sunday.
“We are aware of the incident circulating on social media involving disruptive fan behavior during a live report. The actions shown do not reflect Beaver Nation’s values or our fan code of conduct,” the statement said. “We are further investigating the situation and apologize to the reporter for her experience. We also commend her professionalism and calmness in handling this moment.”
Cleary has also since commented on the viral clip: write on X Sunday that she knew the video was circulating and that she appreciated the outpouring of support. “At the beginning of my live taping, the fans were friendly and added a fun element to my reporting,” she wrote. “As it went on, a few fans stuck around and things got a little out of hand, and that’s what you saw. For the most part, Beaver Nation was very welcoming to me. Live TV is unpredictable and sometimes you have to roll with it!”
Although Cleary has received a lot of praise on social media for keeping her composure in the situation, Hallie Kritsasa licensed mental health counselor and therapist at Thriveworks who specializes in self-esteem, workplace issues and anxiety, emphasized that the way Cleary handled the situation is often “much more difficult” than it seems.
People should remember that “being harassed in public while trying to do your job can be very upsetting,” she told HuffPost. “It can evoke feelings of fear and even helplessness, especially if it is broadcast for others to see.”
“Maintaining composure in those moments requires significant emotional regulation and professionalism,” she continued. “It is often much harder than it seems and people underestimate how stressful it is to remain calm and focused in the face of public scrutiny and disrespect.”
Kritsas said that when she first watched the clip, she immediately became concerned for the reporter’s safety and well-being.
“What became most apparent was the blatant lack of respect and awareness among the young men,” she said.
Additionally, she thinks the clip likely resonated with many people online, as she thinks viewers recognized that there was “an imbalance of power and gender dynamics at play.”
“A woman who just does her job a male-dominated sporting environment was publicly undermined and harassed by a group of young men,” she said. “It tapped into a broader frustration about how women are often treated in the professional field and public spaces.”
And Kritsas said that in general, she recommends that anyone who finds themselves in an uncomfortable situation in the workplace prioritize their safety, as well as their physical and emotional space.
“Setting clear boundaries, calmly distancing yourself and then seeking support from colleagues or managers are crucial,” she says. “Organizations should also have policies in place to protect employees from harassment.”
Finally, Kritsas said it’s important to process any feelings you may have about a disturbing exchange. She recommends talking to a trusted friend, mentor, or therapist—anyone who can help “ease persistent stress or anxiety.”
