Natasha Exelby, an Australian journalist, will never forget the night her career took an unexpected turn. It was a late Saturday evening in 2017 when she was caught off guard during a live news broadcast on ABC. The momentary lapse in attention led to a viral sensation, but it also had severe consequences for her career.
As the cameras cut back to her, Natasha was caught daydreaming, fiddling with something just as she was about to go live. The stunned look on her face lasted only a second, but it was enough to spread like wildfire across social media. The clip became an instant hit, making her an unlikely internet sensation.
However, her bosses at ABC were not amused. The backlash behind the scenes was swift and severe, leading to major consequences for the journalist. Despite the network’s denial of her being fired, Natasha revealed that she was taken off the air and her next six weeks of on-air shifts were canceled.
The incident sparked a wave of support from fellow journalists, TV hosts, politicians, and entertainers. The hashtag #putyourbloopersout gained traction as people rallied behind her. Years later, Natasha reflected on the incident, sharing that it had a profound impact on her life and career.
Despite facing her fair share of controversies, Natasha remains active in the journalism industry. She has worked as a Political Correspondent in the Canberra Press Gallery, interviewing every Australian Prime Minister since Bob Hawke. Her infamous blooper may have turned into a viral moment, but it also sparked a deeper conversation about the pressures of live television and the scrutiny public figures face.
The incident raises questions about the thin line between human error and career-defining moments. While some argue that everyone deserves a mistake or two, others question how such a slip could impact someone’s career. Natasha’s story serves as a reminder that even the smallest moment can have a profound impact on one’s life and career.
