CNN reporter accosted by lizard live on air during broadcast from Trump's Florida mansion
'I don't think it's OK, but I'm fine'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A CNN reporter was accosted by a lizard during a live television broadcast from Donald Trump's Florida estate.
White House correspondent Abby Phillip squirmed after the reptile began crawling up her body during a debate about the merits of impeaching the US president.
CNN host Jake Tapper interrupted the broadcast to check on Ms Phillip.
"Hold on, Abby, what was that?" he asked.
"There was a lizard climbing on me, sorry," she replied. "I don't think it's OK, but I'm fine."
She later described the incident as "literally my nightmare".
Some criticised Ms Philip for appearing to kill the reptile as she swatted it away, with one person writing: “How lovely to crush an innocent being on live TV and everyone is convulsed in mirth over it. We are so careless about the beings with whom we share the planet.”
But fellow White House reporter Betsy Klein later confirmed the creature was unharmed.
"The lizard is fine, it slithered off unscathed. (I was an eyewitness)," she tweeted.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments