Close X
Monday, November 25, 2024
ADVT 
International

Stranger Who Kissed CBC Reporter Megan Batchelor On Camera Apologizes, Says Incident Was A Mistake

The Canadian Press, 11 Aug, 2015 11:43 AM
    VANCOUVER — A CBC journalist who was kissed by a stranger on live TV has received an apology, but she's still being attacked by others online for making a complaint to police.
     
    Megan Batchelor was reporting from a music festival in Squamish, B.C., north of Vancouver, Friday when a stranger came up from behind, kissed her on the cheek at the same time as he took a picture of the event.
     
    Daniel Davies, 17, later reached out to her in a direct message on Twitter to identify himself and say he was sorry.
     
    Batchelor said his apology and feelings seemed very sincere.
     
     
    "He basically just said 'You know, in the moment I thought it was hilarious. And then when I saw your interviews and I saw the backlash and I put myself in your shoes, I immediately knew I was wrong and this was not appropriate," she said.
     
    Batchelor said her report to the RCMP prompted a much different response from those online.
     
    People have called her explicit names, written her lewd and aggressive messages, and criticized her intelligence and appearance.
     
    The backlash has been "insane," said Batchelor, adding that she's tried to ignore the hateful comments.
     
     
    She hopes that Davies' apology helps to calm the furor.
     
    "I'm really hoping that with him now speaking out and agreeing with the way that I've been feeling, I'm really hoping that that will perhaps diffuse some of the negativity and people who don't agree with me will perhaps see that this is not really an appropriate thing to do."
     
    As for the RCMP complaint, Batchelor said it's up to police whether they press charges, but she is happy with the apology she's received. 
     
    "In terms of where I'm at, I really don't want to see this kid lose out on future opportunities because of this," she said. "I really think he's paying the price now for his actions."
     
    The journalist does hope the incident will have an impact on people who think it's fun to interrupt television reporters while they work.
     
     
    "I guess I'm just hoping people will take that extra second and think 'Okay, that's a person there trying to do their job. How will what I'm planning on doing impact them and their ability to do that and is it really worth it?'" Batchelor said.

    MORE International ARTICLES

    Indian-American Atul Keshap Confirmed As US Envoy To Sri Lanka, Maldives

    Indian-American Atul Keshap Confirmed As US Envoy To Sri Lanka, Maldives
    Indian-American Atul Keshap has been confirmed as ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, making him the second person of Indian decent to be posted to the region after Richard Rahul Verma, the US ambassador to India.

    Indian-American Atul Keshap Confirmed As US Envoy To Sri Lanka, Maldives

    India's 'Substantial Sacrifice' Helped Seal Iran Deal: White House

    India's 'Substantial Sacrifice' Helped Seal Iran Deal: White House
    Acknowledging India's "substantial sacrifice" in backing the sanctions regime against Iran, the White House has again warned that if the Republican-controlled Congress unilaterally kills the Iran nuclear deal, 

    India's 'Substantial Sacrifice' Helped Seal Iran Deal: White House

    Two Indian-Americans, Rishi Manchanda And Nisha Money, Honoured With Health Innovator Fellowship

    Two Indian-Americans, Rishi Manchanda And Nisha Money, Honoured With Health Innovator Fellowship
    Two Indian Americans are among 20 healthcare leaders named for participation in the inaugural class of a US fellowship programme aimed at transforming the healthcare system.

    Two Indian-Americans, Rishi Manchanda And Nisha Money, Honoured With Health Innovator Fellowship

    Two Indian-Americans Accused Of Shoplifting In Tennessee

    Two Indian-Americans Accused Of Shoplifting In Tennessee
    Two Indian-American women have been accused of stealing razors from a store in Tennessee, a media report said.

    Two Indian-Americans Accused Of Shoplifting In Tennessee

    Indian American Pharmacist Suspended After Felony Convictions

    Indian American Pharmacist Suspended After Felony Convictions
    The Michigan department of licensing and regulatory affairs (LARA) suspended the license of Hiren Dasharathbhai Patel after he was convicted of health care fraud and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances

    Indian American Pharmacist Suspended After Felony Convictions

    Fourth Bangladeshi Blogger Hacked To Death

    Fourth Bangladeshi Blogger Hacked To Death
    A Bangladeshi blogger known for his secular views was hacked to death on Friday by assailants armed with machetes in capital Dhaka, the fourth one to be killed this year, the media reported.

    Fourth Bangladeshi Blogger Hacked To Death