An Oregon sports reporter is earning widespread praise after a video of her being interrupted by unruly fans during a live broadcast went viral.
Olivia Cleary, a reporter for ABC affiliate KEZI, was covering the Oregon State University vs. Lafayette University game on Saturday, Oct. 18, when several young men disrupted her live segment.
In the clip, which was shared on X by KEZI sports director Brett Austin Taylor, the men crowded around Cleary mid-report, shouting and gesturing as she tried to maintain her composure. One leaned into the frame seeking a fist bump, while another repeatedly yelled the viral phrase “6-7,” joined by others mimicking the accompanying hand motion.
As the chaos continued, one fan began recording on his phone, while another yelled “help” several times, beer in hand, as Cleary continued to deliver her segment unfazed.
Cleary later addressed the incident on X, writing, “I’m aware of the video circulating and want to thank everyone for the support! At the start of my live shot, fans were kind and added a fun element to my coverage. As it went on, a few fans stuck around and things got a little out of hand which is what you saw.”
She added, “For the most part, Beaver Nation has been very welcoming to me. Live TV is unpredictable and sometimes you have to roll with it!”
Oregon State University officials also responded on social media, condemning the behavior.
“We’re aware of the incident circulating on social media involving disruptive fan behavior during a live report,” the athletic department wrote. “The actions displayed do not reflect the values of Beaver Nation or our fan code of conduct.”
In a follow-up post, officials commended Cleary for “her professionalism and composure in handling the moment,” adding, “We are reviewing the situation further and apologize to the reporter for her experience.”
Cleary received an outpouring of support from fellow journalists. KEZI sports director Cameron Derby called the scene “extremely frustrating to watch,” adding, “Ridiculous behavior, and extremely unfair to a young, professional reporter trying to grow her career. Olivia did not deserve this. No one does.”
Derby later praised her response: “Olivia did an incredible job working through it. The position she was put in probably felt like hours. I applaud how steady she stayed. She wouldn’t let that stop the story from being told.”
Oregon columnist John Canzano commended Cleary for showing “tremendous poise and composure in this live shot at Oregon State,” contrasting her professionalism with the crowd’s conduct. Sports writer Ryan Harlan echoed the sentiment, posting, “That’s horrible — do better Beaver Nation.”
The Oregonian’s Aaron J. Fentress also praised Cleary’s “classy response,” noting he’d faced similar situations. Jokingly, he added that he “absolutely would have gone Chip Kelly on that dude,” referencing a 2011 clip of the former University of Oregon coach shouting at fans who interrupted a post-game interview.
