Open Post: Hosted By “Jessica, We Are Live”
In the past, news bloopers have included f-bombs, chicken fornication, and most recently, naked, side-piece walk-ons. This latest news blooper doesn’t involve naked, random body parts or messages promoting poultry sex, but it is just as awkward. Last week on the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation, there was a tense, behind-the-scenes TV moment between colleagues, Jessica Kaimu and Elmarie Kapunda (who may or may not hate each other offscreen). That said, according to Mercury News, it’s earned itself a #jessicawearelive Twitter hashtag and is enjoying its 15 minutes.
via Mercury News:
A testy exchange between two on-the-air broadcasters led to an excruciatingly awkward moment — and spawned a national catch-phrase.
#JessicaWeAreLive began trending on social media across southern Africa after the unfortunate occurrence on a Wednesday news broadcast of the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation.
Jessica Kaimu, on the set to give a sports presentation, had taken issue with the introduction she was receiving from anchor Elmarie Kapunda. Kaimu cut her off: “No, you’re not going to do that. You’re just going to greet me and say, ‘Take it away.’”
After a beat, Kapunda said quickly: “Jessica, we are live.”
Here is the clip:
Mercury News continues:
The broadcaster broke its official silence on the matter Thursday, with a spokesperson declaring: “What people heard and saw was something that was supposed to happen behind the scenes.”
Lazarus Jacobs, head of NBC’s board, elaborated to CNN: “There was no disagreement of any sort. The two ladies are good colleagues. … Once you realize that you are on the air and you’ve said something that might be inappropriate for the viewer, you basically freeze.”
“I personally spoke to the two ladies to reassure them their job security is not in jeopardy. This was an honest mistake, it could happen to anybody,” he said.
These things happen, right? I’m just glad my most bitchy and tense moments with coworkers have gone down without any cameras around. But after seeing this, I’m pretty sure Jessica and Elmarie stealth-drop laxatives in each other’s coffee in the break room when the other isn’t looking.
Pic: YouTube/Zupta TV