View all newsletters
Sign up for our free email newsletters

Fighting for quality news media in the digital age.

Video: BBC News presenter Ben Brown slapped after touching woman’s breast on live TV

By PA Mediapoint

A woman slapped a BBC presenter after he appeared to touch her breast as he moved her out of the way during a live interview.

News anchor Ben Brown was speaking to his colleague, assistant political editor Norman Smith, about the launch of the Labour Party election manifesto in Bradford when the men were interrupted by a member of the public.

The woman, who was carrying several bags and wearing a leopard print top and black jacket, stood between the pair and said: “Absolutely fantastic.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nC6997umCRk

But she was quickly brushed aside by Brown, whose right hand appeared to touch her breast as he tried to move her out of shot.

The as-yet unnamed woman then slapped him on the shoulder before walking off across camera.

Brown later tweeted: “Unfortunate interruption of broadcast in Bradford – just tried to minimise disruption but v tricky live on air – completely unintentional.”

Viewers who saw the incident were quick to pass comment on Twitter.

Cameraman Jason Farrington said: “Bit of a boob by Ben Brown…”

Stuart Fry said: “She attempted to interrupt the live coverage. She’s miffed!”

Picture: BBC News/PA Wire

Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog

Select and enter your email address Weekly insight into the big strategic issues affecting the future of the news industry. Essential reading for media leaders every Thursday. Your morning brew of news about the world of news from Press Gazette and elsewhere in the media. Sent at around 10am UK time. Our weekly dose of strategic insight about the future of news media aimed at US readers. A fortnightly update from the front-line of news and advertising. Aimed at marketers and those involved in the advertising industry.
  • Business owner/co-owner
  • CEO
  • COO
  • CFO
  • CTO
  • Chairperson
  • Non-Exec Director
  • Other C-Suite
  • Managing Director
  • President/Partner
  • Senior Executive/SVP or Corporate VP or equivalent
  • Director or equivalent
  • Group or Senior Manager
  • Head of Department/Function
  • Manager
  • Non-manager
  • Retired
  • Other
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how Progressive Media Investments may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
Thank you

Thanks for subscribing.

Websites in our network