Posted on Sep 2, 2020
US man who struck reporter's rear pleads guilty
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A man in the US state of Georgia filmed striking a female reporter's backside during a live TV broadcast has pleaded guilty to a sexual battery charge.
Thomas Callaway was sentenced to a year on probation and must pay a $1,000 (£750) fine.
Reporter Alex Bozarjian had been covering a run when Callaway hit her.
She said she forgave him in court on Tuesday, adding: "Nobody has the right to touch anybody or slap anybody for their own amusement."
"It may seem harmless to other people," Bozarjian told ABC 8 News. "But it's obviously a toxic thought pattern because what Mr Callaway did on that bridge validates the idea that I don't deserve my own personal space.
"It also reinforces the belief that as a woman, my body doesn't belong to me. But the reality of that is it's not true - because he came in court today and plead guilty to a crime."
The video of the incident during a race in Savannah, Georgia, was viewed nearly 10 million times on Twitter last year.
In it, runner Callaway is seen striking Bozarjian's backside as he passes, causing her to stare after him in alarm before continuing her report.
Thomas Callaway was sentenced to a year on probation and must pay a $1,000 (£750) fine.
Reporter Alex Bozarjian had been covering a run when Callaway hit her.
She said she forgave him in court on Tuesday, adding: "Nobody has the right to touch anybody or slap anybody for their own amusement."
"It may seem harmless to other people," Bozarjian told ABC 8 News. "But it's obviously a toxic thought pattern because what Mr Callaway did on that bridge validates the idea that I don't deserve my own personal space.
"It also reinforces the belief that as a woman, my body doesn't belong to me. But the reality of that is it's not true - because he came in court today and plead guilty to a crime."
The video of the incident during a race in Savannah, Georgia, was viewed nearly 10 million times on Twitter last year.
In it, runner Callaway is seen striking Bozarjian's backside as he passes, causing her to stare after him in alarm before continuing her report.
US man who struck reporter's rear pleads guilty
Posted from bbc.com
Sexual Assault
Sexual Harassment
Savannah
Crime
Law
Posted >1 y ago
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I need to find the girl in Germany that slapped me on the rear as I was leaning over a bridge railing watching a fest down below. She ran away, then I looked down and she waived up at me. Eric. M Clapton was blaring from the speakers. So everytime I hear Clapton it brings back memories from 1978. Oh the pain ...wonder if she is still as cute !
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