Sports Reporter Olivia Cleary Speaks Out After Being Interrupted by Screaming Fans During Her Live Broadcast: “It Was Disrespectful and Frustrating”
Sports journalism is all about staying calm under pressure, but few moments test that composure more than being disrupted live on air. Olivia Cleary, a sports reporter for Oregon’s ABC affiliate KEZI, experienced exactly that during a recent live broadcast when a group of rowdy fans interrupted her mid-report. The incident, which quickly went viral online, shows Cleary trying to maintain her professionalism while fans behind her shout and wave at the camera.
In the viral clip, Cleary stands in the concourse of a packed arena, microphone in hand, ready to deliver post-game coverage. Just as she begins speaking, a group of young men appears behind her — yelling, making faces, and gesturing toward the camera. One fan leans in close, shouting over her voice, while another jumps into frame holding a drink. Despite the chaos unfolding inches behind her, Cleary doesn’t flinch. She keeps her focus on her report, her voice steady, and finishes her segment before the camera cuts away.
After the broadcast, the clip began spreading across social media, where viewers were quick to praise her professionalism — and criticize the behavior of the fans. “This is exactly what women in sports journalism deal with all the time,” one user wrote on X. Another said, “She handled that like a pro. They should be embarrassed.”
Cleary later addressed the situation herself, speaking calmly but firmly about what happened. “It’s unfortunate that this kind of thing still happens,” she said. “We’re out there trying to do our jobs, and sometimes it feels like people forget that.” She explained that while she’s used to working in loud, high-energy environments, it’s never acceptable for fans to invade a live shot or disrupt a broadcast. “It’s not funny,” she added. “It’s disrespectful to the people working and to the audience trying to listen.”
The moment has since reignited broader conversations about the challenges faced by female sports reporters, many of whom have shared similar stories of being heckled or interrupted while covering events. Several of Cleary’s colleagues and other journalists have spoken out in her defense, calling the behavior she endured “a frustrating reality” of the profession. “We shouldn’t have to put up with it,” one fellow reporter said. “It’s not part of the job.”
Cleary has since expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support she’s received, saying that while she wishes the focus were on the game itself, she’s glad the moment sparked an important conversation. She also emphasized that the majority of fans are respectful and enthusiastic, but that even a few disruptive individuals can make a live working environment unsafe or unprofessional.
The clip’s virality has made Cleary a symbol of resilience for many in the sports media community. Her calm, collected reaction in the face of chaos has been shared as an example of grace under pressure — a reminder of how hard reporters work behind the scenes to keep coverage seamless, even when things go wrong.
As the discussion continues online, Cleary’s professionalism remains the focus. For viewers, the takeaway is clear: respect the reporters who bring the stories to life, even when the excitement of the game takes over. And for Olivia Cleary, it’s just another day doing what she loves — telling stories from the heart of the action, no matter who tries to get in the way.
