On social media, many viewers were stunned after a viral video captured a moment showing a reporter shocked after a young boy shouted an alarming comment during a live TV segment.
Reporter Michelle Mackey shares disturbing incident that left her stunned
Michelle Mackey, a CityNews Toronto reporter, was left shocked after a young boy shouted a derogatory phrase while she was filming a news segment.
The incident occurred during what Mackey described as a feel-good report, an experience she didn’t anticipate.
A disturbing encounter: Young boy yells offensive comment
On social media, a user who goes by @michellemackeytiktok shared a video on TikTok showing a reporter shocked after a young boy shouted an alarming comment.
While filming, the boy—whom Mackey estimates to be around eight or nine years old—yelled a crude phrase that had previously circulated on social media.
The offensive remark contained misogynistic language, which was disturbing to the reporter.
What made the situation even worse was that the boy’s father was present.
Despite witnessing the outburst, the father failed to reprimand the boy for his inappropriate behavior.
A worrying moment caught on camera
In a TikTok video shared by Mackey, which has been viewed over 3 million times, she described the incident as one of the most alarming things she’s witnessed as a reporter.
She wrote: “This was one of the most alarming things I’ve witnessed as a news reporter.
“What looked to be an 8 or 9-year-old boy yelled this at me, WITH HIS FATHER BY HIS SIDE. They proceeded to laugh and walk away.
“Out of respect for the child, I’m blurring their faces. Whether this is yelled at a man or woman, it perpetuates and normalizes misogyny. I thought this horrible trend was over.”
The video, which Mackey censored for respect, shows the boy shouting the phrase.
And both he and his father laughing as they walked away.
Mackey expressed her disbelief, stating, “I thought this horrible trend was over.” She also mentioned that, out of respect for the child, she blurred their faces in the video.
However, she emphasized that whether such language is directed at a man or woman, it perpetuates and normalizes misogyny.
Social media reaction
The video quickly went viral and sparked debate among viewers. Many were stunned and raised questions about the responsibility of adults in shaping behavior.
One person said: Nah uncover the dad’s face. He’s grown and knows better.
A second wrote: For those saying it’s a joke, it’s not. This type of behavior is unacceptable and you should be ashamed if you think it’s fine.
While a third commented: the “fhritp” guy wasn’t funny when he was doing, and it’s even less funny when it’s a kid 9 years later
Another added: reminder that little girls today deal with this unchecked misogyny every day.
Someone else said: Ah misogyny, still teaching our children it’s ok to be violent towards women. I’m so sorry this happened to you.
Father’s role in the incident
@michellemackeytiktok This was one of the most alarming things I’ve witnessed as a news reporter. What looked to be an 8 or 9-year-old boy yelled this at me, WITH HIS FATHER BY HIS SIDE. They proceeded to laugh and walk away. Out of respect for the child, I’m blurring their faces. Whether this is yelled at a man or woman, it perpetuates and normalizes misogyny. I thought this horrible trend was over.
In an interview with TODAY.com, Mackey opened up further about the moment. She explained how disturbing it was to hear the phrase again after so many years.
When she saw the boy shout the phrase, she was beyond disturbed. The fact that the father and child were laughing, as if the incident were a joke, deeply unsettled her.
Mackey’s attempt to confront the father and child was met with indifference.
She tried calling them over, but they simply walked away. She later reflected, saying, “I just wanted to look that father and child in the eye and ask them to repeat the phrase, looking me in the eye as a human being.”
Mackey expressed that while she didn’t blame the boy for his words, she placed the responsibility squarely on the adults involved.
“You probably think this is funny, but I hope you can reflect on those words and understand their impact.” She added.