On a random street in Moldova this week, a news reporter from Australia was working on a live report from the Eastern European country when he got an unexpected kiss.
JohnPaul Gonzo, a reporter with Australia's 10 News First, was mid-sentence during his report when out of nowhere a young woman simply walked up to him as if the camera wasn't even there and smacked one right on his cheek.
See the moment below.
\u201cCertainly wasn\u2019t expecting this interruption mid looklive \ud83d\ude33\u201d— Johnpaul Gonzo (@Johnpaul Gonzo) 1676969346
Gonzo was in the Moldovan capital of Chisinau reporting on the United States' pledge of $500 million in military aid to Ukraine in their continuing efforts to beat back Russian military forces after the country illegally invaded a year ago.
Moldova is a small country to the east of Romania that shares most of its border with Ukraine. It was once part of the Soviet Union which engulfed several neighboring countries during the height of its power.
Gonzo could be heard announcing the $500 million in aid and clarifying it "does not include long-range weapons..." when suddenly he trailed off, looking up from his phone at something off camera.
Suddenly a blond woman appeared, kissed him on the cheek, and then walked off casual as anything.
She then blew him a kiss and called:
"You're really cute!"
The camera then panned back to a visibly flustered and obviously embarrassed Gonzo.
After a hearty laugh between Gonzo and his crew, he soldiered on with his rehearsal like the seasoned professional he obviously is.
The internet of course weighed in.
\u201c@JohnpaulGonzo We all appreciate viewer feedback but that is special \u2026 :)\u201d— Johnpaul Gonzo (@Johnpaul Gonzo) 1676969346
\u201c@JohnpaulGonzo Imagine a man doing that to a female presenter.\u201d— Johnpaul Gonzo (@Johnpaul Gonzo) 1676969346
\u201c@JohnpaulGonzo @DarylTractor \ud83d\ude05\ud83e\udd23 blushing much.\u201d— Johnpaul Gonzo (@Johnpaul Gonzo) 1676969346
\u201c@JohnpaulGonzo Did she say \u201cyou are really cute\u201d?! Surely you did a brisk jog to catch her for a coffee haha\u201d— Johnpaul Gonzo (@Johnpaul Gonzo) 1676969346
People commented on the viral moment and consent.
Several industry insiders remarking on the risks of live TV.
\u201c@JohnpaulGonzo @StevoMedia If a man does that to a human it\u2019s sexual harassment but because a woman did it to a man it\u2019s \u201cfunny\u201d and a \u201cjoke\u201d.\u201d— Johnpaul Gonzo (@Johnpaul Gonzo) 1676969346
\u201c@Reuters I wondered what he thought was going to happen as she approached him. The pause/hesitation to continue with his report was epic. The effect of that kiss on the cheek! Was he lost for words or lost in thoughts?\u201d— Reuters (@Reuters) 1677152400
\u201c@JohnpaulGonzo Yikes! I'm so sorry. That's terrible. How inappropriate and nonconsensual.\u201d— Johnpaul Gonzo (@Johnpaul Gonzo) 1676969346
\u201c@JohnpaulGonzo One of the hazards of the job !\u201d— Johnpaul Gonzo (@Johnpaul Gonzo) 1676969346
\u201c@JohnpaulGonzo Mr Worldwide \ud83d\ude0e\u201d— Johnpaul Gonzo (@Johnpaul Gonzo) 1676969346
\u201c@JohnpaulGonzo I hate to be this person, but there is a double standard here. If a male passer-by does this to a female presenter, it's (rightly) sexual assault.\u201d— Johnpaul Gonzo (@Johnpaul Gonzo) 1676969346
\u201cThis 10news first Australian journo getting a cheeky welcome from a local whilst reporting live from Moldova. \ud83d\udc40\ud83d\udc80\ud83d\ude05\u201d— Anth W. \ud83c\udf0f (@Anth W. \ud83c\udf0f) 1677045908
\u201c@JohnpaulGonzo A mate of mine did that to a female TV presenter once. \nHow we all laughed.\nHe\u2019s now under a restraining order\u2026\u201d— Johnpaul Gonzo (@Johnpaul Gonzo) 1676969346
\u201cPerks (or pecks) of the job reporting on Ukraine from Moldova..\n\ncc @BrittClennett\u201d— Brandon (@Brandon) 1677037360
\u201c@JohnpaulGonzo Such a violation of your personal space. (I heard someone say) - \ud83d\ude33\u201d— Johnpaul Gonzo (@Johnpaul Gonzo) 1676969346
\u201cI will never stop loving the ridiculous possibilities that come with working in TV.\u201d— Siobhan Heanue (@Siobhan Heanue) 1676978873
\u201c@JohnpaulGonzo @StevoMedia If a guy did that jail and all over news\u201d— Johnpaul Gonzo (@Johnpaul Gonzo) 1676969346
We wish Gonzo less eventful future broadcasts.
As for the young woman, consent is key.
Perhaps offer a handshake and request a kiss from men you see on the street in future?
The Bulwark
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