Yahoo readers weigh in after youth minister accused of slapping reporter's butt on-air apologizes
He can run, but he can’t hide.
Tommy Callaway, the youth pastor accused of slapping a reporter on the behind during a live broadcast in Savannah, Georgia, sat down with Inside Edition and attempted to explain his now-infamous actions.
“I was caught up in the moment,” said Callaway. “I was getting ready to bring my hands up and wave to the camera and to the audience and there was a misjudge in character and decision-making. I touched her back. I did not know exactly where I touched her,” he added.
The reporter, Alex Bozarjian, spoke to CBS This Morning and told the panel, “I think what it really comes down to is he helped himself to a part of my body.” She added, “he took my power and I’m trying to take that back.”
Bozarjian took to Twitter after the December 7 incident to express her dismay with Callaway’s behavior, writing, “To the man who smacked my butt on live TV this morning: You violated, objectified, and embarrassed me. No woman should EVER have to put up with this at work or anywhere!! Do better.”
To the man who smacked my butt on live TV this morning: You violated, objectified, and embarrassed me. No woman should EVER have to put up with this at work or anywhere!! Do better. https://t.co/PRLXkBY5hn
— Alex Bozarjian (@wsavalexb) December 7, 2019
She has since filed a sexual battery report with police.
Yahoo readers who watched Callaway’s Inside Edition interview weighed in, and one said that no apology would get him out of the trouble he’s facing:
Another said Callaway should face jail time:
Jennifer pointed out that Callaway might not have appreciated someone treating his own daughters with the same level of disrespect:
George expressed shock at the whole situation:
And one reader, Peter, brushed aside the slap and praised the youth pastor for explaining himself:
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