View source for Hot mic

{{Short description|Microphone that is inadvertently left on}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{Context|date=March 2023}}
{{Excessive examples|date=March 2023}}
}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}
A '''hot mic''', sometimes referred to as an '''open microphone''' or (in [[aviation]]) a '''stuck mic''', is in general an apparent error in which a [[microphone]] is switched on or remains on, especially without the speaker realizing.<ref name=Cambridge>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/hot-mic |title=hot mic |accessdate=2021-08-22 |publisher=Cambridge Dictionary |quote=a microphone that is switched on, especially without the speaker realizing }}</ref>
A special case of hot mic is the '''microphone gaffe''', in which the microphone is actively collecting and transmitting sound gathered near a subject who is unaware that their remarks are being transmitted and recorded, allowing unintended listeners or viewers to [[eavesdropping|hear parts of conversations not intended for public consumption]]. Such errors usually involve live broadcasting in radio or television, and sometimes material is recorded and played back via media outlets. Such events can cause embarrassment for the person or organization involved, sometimes resulting in serious confrontations and employment termination.
==Noted occurrences of microphone gaffes==
{{Excessive examples|section|date=January 2023}}
===Television broadcasts===
*In 1999, during a [[Test cricket|cricket test match]] between [[Australia national cricket team|Australia]] and [[Pakistan national cricket team|Pakistan]], Australian [[Scott Muller (cricketer)|Scott Muller]] misfielded a ball and a voice was heard saying, "Can't [[Bowling (cricket)|bowl]], can't throw." Teammate [[Shane Warne]] was suspected, but a cameraman confessed.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2003-05-24 |title=How Joe blow turned Scott Muller into a nobody |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/how-joe-blow-turned-scott-muller-into-a-nobody-20030524-gdgtd2.html |access-date=2024-02-09 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref>
*On 22 June 2000, Australian newsreader [[Marie-Louise Theile]] was recorded as calling her husband an "arsehole" during what she thought was a commercial break on ''[[Ten News]]'' in [[Brisbane]].<ref>[http://www.abc.net.au/mediawatch/transcripts/s144147.htm Transcript, Media Watch, 26 June 2000], ''[[Media Watch (TV program)|Media Watch]]'', [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]], 26 June 2000. Retrieved 22 January 2011.</ref>
*During television coverage of the [[2000 Canadian federal election]], a [[CBC Television]] producer covering [[Stockwell Day]]'s campaign was heard on-air making a gratuitous comment about the breasts of [[Juliana Thiessen-Day]], candidate Day's daughter-in-law. His words were cut off mid-sentence: "This is Logan Day's wife. I've never met her, but apparently she's got tits that'd stop a—"  The producer was forced to apologize.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Boulware |first=Jack |date=2000-12-05 |title=Breasts across British Columbia |url=https://www.salon.com/2000/12/04/canadian_tv/ |access-date= |website=Salon}}</ref>
*After a defeat for [[Chelsea F.C.]] in April 2004, former British [[association football|football]] manager and commentator [[Ron Atkinson]] said of Chelsea defender [[Marcel Desailly]]: "He is what is known in some schools as a fucking lazy thick nigger." The microphone was open to some countries in the [[Middle East]], with UK broadcasts having already finished. Atkinson was forced to resign his position at [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] and left his role as a columnist at ''[[The Guardian]]'' by mutual agreement.<ref>Hughes, Graham.  Buzzle.com. 27 April 2004. "{{usurped|1=[https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20090316040532/http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/4-27-2004-53440.asp Big Ron's big gaffe]}}." Accessed 30 August 2006.</ref><ref name="Mirror 18-07-06">Webster, Nick. Mirror.co.uk. 18 July 2006. "[https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/tm_objectid=17400905&method=full&siteid=94762&headline=oaps--you-weren-t-meant-to-hear-that--name_page.html Oops! More gaffes you weren't meant to hear]." Accessed 20 August 2006.</ref>
*In September 2005, during a filming of ''[[Access Hollywood]]'', [[Donald Trump]] and [[Billy Bush]] had "[[Donald Trump Access Hollywood controversy|an extremely lewd conversation about women]]" where Trump said "when you're a star, they let you do it. You can do anything ... grab them by the pussy".<ref name=Fahrenthold>{{cite news |first=David A. |last=Fahrenthold |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-recorded-having-extremely-lewd-conversation-about-women-in-2005/2016/10/07/3b9ce776-8cb4-11e6-bf8a-3d26847eeed4_story.html|title=Trump recorded having extremely lewd conversation about women in 2005 |newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=8 October 2016 |date=7 October 2016}}</ref> When ''[[The Washington Post]]'' broke the story during the [[2016 United States presidential election|2016 presidential election]], in which Trump was the [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] nominee, several dozen Republicans renounced their support of Trump.<ref>Canham, Matt; Burr, Thomas (8 October 2016). [http://www.sltrib.com/news/4444721-155/after-video-huntsman-says-it-is Utah Gov. Herbert and Rep. Chaffetz pull Trump endorsements, Huntsman says Trump should drop out after explicit video leaks], ''[[Salt Lake Tribune]]''.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-10-08 |title=Donald Trump Defiant as Top Republicans Flee Candidacy |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/gop-piles-donald-trump-over-remarks-women-n662276 |access-date= |website=NBC News}}</ref>
*A series of technical problems on 9 March 2006 forced [[ESPN2]] to switch from its ''[[SportsCenter]]'' broadcast to that of ''[[ESPNews]]''. Caught unprepared by the move, ''ESPNews'' broadcaster [[Danyelle Sargent]] struggled for words, forcing fellow anchor Robert Flores to finish her sentence. After the broadcast cut to taped footage, Sargent was heard exclaiming "What the fuck was that?"<ref>Flanagan, Jeffrey. ''[[The Kansas City Star]].'' 21 March 2006. "[http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/sports/14146473.htm Former Metro Sports anchor has slip of tongue on ESPN]." Accessed 30 August 2006.</ref>
*On 8 August 2006, [[Network Ten]] sports commentator [[Dean Jones (cricketer)|Dean Jones]] said "the terrorist has got another wicket" when Proteas fielder [[Hashim Amla]] (the first player from a Muslim background to play [[test cricket]] for South Africa) caught [[Kumar Sangakkara]] during a match between South Africa and Sri Lanka. Jones claimed he thought the microphone was off and made prompt formal apologies, but was dismissed from his post.<ref>[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News Australia]]. 8 August 2006. "[http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200608/s1708902.htm Dean Jones sacked over 'terrorist' slur]." Accessed 30 August 2006.</ref>
*On 29 August 2006, U.S. news channel [[CNN]] was broadcasting a live [[Hurricane Katrina]] anniversary speech from President [[George W. Bush]] when the microphone of anchor [[Kyra Phillips]] was left on. Around 90 seconds of her casual conversation with another woman was broadcast over CNN's coverage of Bush's speech. During the conversation she discussed her husband, whom she called "a really passionate, compassionate, great, great human being," and her sister-in-law, whom she called a "control freak." CNN apologized to viewers and the [[White House]].<ref>[[BBC News]]. 30 August 2005. "[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/5297958.stm CNN says sorry for live mic gaffe]." Accessed 30 August 2006.</ref>
*In August 2007, Australian journalist [[Kerry O'Brien (journalist)|Kerry O'Brien]], presenter of the [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]'s ''[[The 7.30 Report]]'', was recorded criticising his production staff for a mishap with the [[teleprompter]] while a story was running.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUZW5vULIrA Kerry O'Brien loses it on Aussie TV], ''The 7.30 Report'', Australian Broadcasting Corporation via [[YouTube]], 13 August 2007. Retrieved 22 January 2011.</ref>
*On 12 May 2008, as a live news [[Cold open|teaser]] was played, [[Sue Simmons]] was reportedly heard angrily exclaiming to a co-worker (later revealed to be [[Chuck Scarborough]]), "What the fuck are you doing?"<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1117986340?refCatId=14|title=WNBC shuffles news anchors|first=Sam|last=Thielman|date=2008-05-22|access-date=2012-10-06|publisher=Variety}}</ref> She later apologized on-air for her inappropriate language.<ref name=NYDAILY>{{cite news|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/sue-simmons-tells-joy-behar-cried-final-days-didn-article-1.1168256?barcprox=true | location=New York|work=Daily News | title=Sue Simmons tells 'Joy Behar: Say Anything!' she cried in the final days: 'I didn't think it was going to end, but it did' | date=26 September 2012 | first=Don | last=Kaplan | access-date=22 June 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://nymag.com/daily/intel/2008/05/sue_simmons_wants_to_know_what.html|title=Sue Simmons Wants to Know What the F**k You Are Doing|date=2008-05-13|access-date=2012-10-06|publisher=New York Magazine}}</ref> Simmons has said she was attempting to get the attention of Scarborough, who was preoccupied with his computer, but did not realize her microphone was still on.<ref>{{cite video|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFDqZqDCxD4 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522172645/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFDqZqDCxD4 |archive-date=2014-05-22 |url-status=dead|title=Sue Simmons explains why she dropped the f-bomb|date=2012-10-17|access-date=2012-10-18|publisher=YouTube}}</ref>
*On 2 March 2009, footage of Dutch news anchor [[Eva Jinek]] asking whether to loosen another button on her shirt (which might reveal too much of her [[Cleavage (breasts)|cleavage]]) right before a broadcast, while muttering and shouting mild curses in both English and Dutch, was accidentally leaked to and spread on the Internet. She exclaims "Yeah, boobies!" at one point, continuing with, "Mother of God. Yeah, if you have it, flaunt it!" and citing her mother who might tell her: "I can see your breasts!" She responded the next day, saying she was not annoyed nor embarrassed by the leaked video.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25U-Mec2zH4 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211219/25U-Mec2zH4 |archive-date=2021-12-19 |url-status=live|title=Eva Jinek NOS Journaal Boobies, knoopjes, moeder en meer. Reactie in De Wereld Draait Door|work=YouTube|date=3 March 2009 |language=nl}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
*Veteran [[Sky Sports]] presenters [[Richard Keys]] and [[Andy Gray (footballer born 1955)|Andy Gray]] made remarks that a female referee would not understand the complex [[Offside (association football)|offside]] football rule. This controversy led to Gray being fired and Keys resigning.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sky Sports presenters Andy Gray and Richard Keys attacked after microphone picks up sexist remarks |url=http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23916636-sky-sports-presenters-andy-gray-and-richard-keys-attacked-after-microphone-picks-up-sexist-remarks.do |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110303195720/http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23916636-sky-sports-presenters-andy-gray-and-richard-keys-attacked-after-microphone-picks-up-sexist-remarks.do |archive-date=3 March 2011 |access-date=2011-03-04}}</ref>
*During a National Football League (NFL) game on 18 December 2011, [[St. Louis Rams]] offensive lineman [[Harvey Dahl]] was assessed a penalty for holding, prompting him to exclaim, "I know you didn't call me for holding! That's not fucking holding!"<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/12/19/harvey-dahl-apologizes-after-a-penalty-for-swearing | title=Harvey Dahl apologizes after a penalty for swearing | date=19 December 2011 |access-date=17 February 2021}}</ref> The remark was picked up by the open microphone of official [[Jerome Boger]] as he was announcing the holding penalty, and was heard by the stadium and the television audience. Dahl was given an additional penalty for [[unsportsmanlike conduct]], but was not fined by the league.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.espn.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/id/55223/open-mike-no-fine-for-harvey-dahls-rant | title=Open mike: No fine for Harvey Dahl's rant | date=23 December 2011 |access-date=17 February 2021}}</ref>
*During an NFL game between the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts in 2012, during a play that produced a penalty flag, referee Tony Corrente was heard over the loudspeakers of Lucas Oil Stadium saying to a fellow official "that was goddammit!", leading to play-by-play announcer Kevin Harlan making a public apology on-air, saying "he didn't know his microphone was on."
*After the [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]]'s 2014 New Year's Eve telecast of the Sydney fireworks had finished, host [[Julia Zemiro]] was caught saying "Oh, thank God".<ref>{{cite web|title=ABC host makes awkward open microphone gaffe|url=https://www.9news.com.au/entertainment/abc-host-makes-awkward-open-microphone-gaffe/f2bece07-80fa-4fed-83b1-83d7166ef3de|work=[[Nine News]]|date=January 2015 |access-date=25 May 2022}}</ref>
*During a telecast of the [[2016 Summer Olympics]], [[CBC Sports|CBC]] commentator [[Byron MacDonald]] was caught making an off-hand remark to a colleague discussing the result of the [[Swimming at the 2016 Summer Olympics – Women's 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay|women's 4 × 200&nbsp;m freestyle swimming relay]], stating that a Chinese swimmer "went out like stink, [and] died like a pig." MacDonald and the CBC apologized for the incident.<ref name=apology>{{cite web|title=CBC apologizes after Olympic commentator says Chinese swimmer 'went out like stink, died like a pig' |url=http://news.nationalpost.com/sports/rio-2016/cbc-apologizes-after-olympic-commentator-says-chinese-swimmer-went-out-like-stink-died-like-a-pig|work=[[National Post]]|access-date=11 August 2016}}</ref>
*On 12 January 2022, a leaked [[Seven News]] video showed Australian TV presenter [[Rebecca Maddern]] saying that "Whatever way you look at it, [[Novak Djokovic]] is a lying, sneaky, asshole. He got a bullshit fucking excuse and then fell over his own fucking lies" in relation to the [[2022 Australian Open#Djokovic's vaccination and visa controversy|2022 Australian Open vaccine and visa controversy]].<ref>{{Citation|title=Australian TV presenter appears to call Djokovic 'a sneaky a***hole'|date=11 January 2022 |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/sport/australia-novak-djokovic-tv-presenter-vaa5e28e8|language=en|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref>
*On 19 October 2022, during a live broadcast of an episode of  ''What Does It Mean'' on Russian news channel [[RBK TV|RBC-TV]], defense expert [[Ruslan Pukhov]] told a TV host that "Everyone knows they [drones] are from Iran but the government doesn't admit that" even before being asked to comment on official Russian authorities' denial<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-10-18 |title=Kremlin denies using Iranian drones in attack on Ukraine |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/kremlin-denies-using-iranian-drones-attack-ukraine-2022-10-18/ |access-date=2022-10-21}}</ref> of the Iranian origin of the [[HESA Shahed 136#2022 Russian war in Ukraine|Shahed 136]] UCAVs used in Russian attacks on Ukrainian territory during the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine|2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Russian Ministry of Defense expert asked TV hosts not to mention the Iranian drones, thinking nobody heard him |url=https://imi.org.ua/en/news/russian-ministry-of-defense-expert-asked-tv-hosts-not-to-mention-the-iranian-drones-thinking-nobody-i48498 |access-date=2022-10-21 |website=imi.org.ua |language=en-EN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Quinn |first=Allison |date=2022-10-20 |title=Russian Defense Adviser Accidentally Throws Putin Under the Bus in Live Interview |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/russian-defense-adviser-ruslan-pukhov-accidentally-throws-putin-under-the-bus-in-disastrous-live-interview |access-date=2022-10-21 |website=The Daily Beast |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Russia is trying to deny the supply of UAVs from Iran |url=https://mil.in.ua/en/news/russia-is-trying-to-deny-the-supply-of-uavs-from-iran/ |access-date=2022-10-21 |website=Militarnyi |language=en-US}}</ref> Pukhov also used the catchphrase "the arse exists, but the word doesn't!" from a [[Russian jokes#Vovochka|famous Russian joke]] to emphasize the absurdity of this situation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Julia |date=2022-10-20 |title=A great hot mic moment: the expert, member of the Russian Defense Ministry's Public Council, urges the hosts not to mention that the drones used in recent strikes are Iranian, since the authorities refuse to admit that |url=https://twitter.com/juliadavisnews/status/1583107961647341569 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221020165208/https://twitter.com/JuliaDavisNews/status/1583107961647341569 |archive-date=2022-10-20 |access-date=2022-10-21 |website=Twitter |language=en}}</ref>
===Political===
{{Main|Political gaffe}}
*At the height of the [[Cold War]] in 1984, U.S. president [[Ronald Reagan]] was about to appear on a radio interview and, as a [[soundcheck]], said "My fellow Americans, I'm pleased to tell you today that I've signed legislation that will outlaw Russia forever. [[We begin bombing in five minutes]]." The comment, while not actually broadcast, did eventually spread via rumor around the world before the audio itself leaked. The moment was even acknowledged by the Soviet government, who expressed their contempt at the joke.<ref>Reagan, Ronald. Audio of Radio Blooper (mp3). 19 August 1984. "[https://web.archive.org/web/20041022042503/http://media1.streamtoyou.com/rnc/BeginBoming-8-19-84-09secs.mp3]". Retrieved 1 September 2006.</ref>
*On 16 February 1988, [[NBC Nightly News]] anchor [[Tom Brokaw]] was finishing up an interview with incumbent [[Vice-President of the United States|vice-president]] [[George H.W. Bush]] following Bush's victory in the [[1988 Republican Party presidential primaries|New Hampshire primary]] that day before interviewing Kansas senator and Senate Minority Leader [[Bob Dole]]. Bush closed the interview by wishing Dole and his fellow Republicans good luck in the upcoming [[Super Tuesday]] contests. Brokaw then turned to Dole - who following his win in the Iowa caucus the previous week had been slammed by the Bush campaign as being willing to raise taxes - for a response only for Dole to blurt out, "Yeah, stop lying about my record". Dole's campaign never fully recovered; as he would only win a handful of contests in his native Midwestern region before dropping out after the Illinois primary, while Bush would go on to win the Republican nomination and ultimately the general election.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/bush-dole-political-rivalry-ages-then-final-salute-n944521|title=Bush and Dole: A political rivalry for the ages. And then that final salute. |last=Kornacki |first=Steve|date=5 December 2018|publisher=NBC News}}</ref>
*On 16 February 1993, U.S. president [[Bill Clinton]] snapped at an aide "Listen, goddamn it. Come here. You can't do that. You can't take me out here with a mayor and a congresswoman and push them back" after a member of his staff tried to prevent District of Columbia Mayor [[Sharon Pratt Kelly]] and Congresswoman [[Eleanor Holmes Norton]] from joining the president walking to a porch for a photo opportunity with construction workers.<ref>[https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19930217/1686022/president-clinton-blows-a-fuse ''Seattle Times'']</ref>
*In 1993, [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom|British Prime Minister]] [[John Major]], after an interview with [[ITN]] political editor [[Michael Brunson]], forgot about the recording equipment. He said it was pointless expelling Eurosceptic [[Cabinet (government)|Cabinet]] members as "we don't want another three more of the bastards out there."<ref name="Mirror 18-07-06" /><ref name="BBC 29-01-01">BBC News. 29 January 2001. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1138908.stm "Curse of the open mic"]</ref>
*Following the [[1994 State of the Union Address]], Ohio congressman [[Martin Hoke]] was preparing to be interviewed for a live broadcast for a local [[Cleveland]] television station. After being outfitted with a microphone by a female producer, Hoke remarked to another congressman that "She's got ze beega breasts" in a mock [[Italian language|Italian]] accent. Although not broadcast live, the remark was recorded and was the subject of a report by ''[[The Washington Post]]'' the following day.<ref name=NYM>{{cite web|url=https://nymag.com/nymag/features/coverstory/2165|title=Washington's Sexual Awakening |newspaper=New York Magazine|date=9 February 1998|author=Eric Konigsberg|access-date=23 November 2016}}</ref>
*In 1997, [[Prime Minister of Canada]] [[Jean Chretien]] was overheard at a [[NATO]] summit in Madrid while talking with his counterparts from Belgium and Luxembourg saying that U.S. politicians would all be in jail if they worked in Canada or elsewhere, as they all sold their votes.<ref>{{cite web|title='Is that switched on?' Top 10 on-mic gaffes|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/09/world/europe/top-10-microphone-gaffes/index.html|work=[[CNN]]|date=9 November 2011 |access-date=25 May 2022}}</ref>
* Just before a campaign speech during his [[George W. Bush presidential campaign, 2000|2000 presidential campaign]], George W. Bush described ''[[New York Times]]'' reporter [[Adam Clymer]] as a "major league asshole" to his running mate [[Dick Cheney]], whose response ("big time") was also audible. The media reaction was intense, with news stations repeatedly broadcasting it and the ''[[New York Post]]'' running two pages about the incident.<ref name="BBC 29-01-01" /><ref>6 September 2000. "[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/913312.stm US networks relish Bush's gaffe]". Accessed 30 August 2006.</ref> Bush said of the incident: "I regret that a private comment I made to the vice-presidential candidate made it onto the public airwaves. I regret everybody heard what I said."<ref>[[Urban Legends Reference Pages]]. 27 April 2004. "[http://www.snopes.com/politics/bush/bushcuss.asp Major League Remark]". Accessed 31 August 2006.</ref><ref>[[Guardian Unlimited]]. 5 September 2000. "[https://www.theguardian.com/US_election_race/Story/0,,364678,00.html Bush makes major league gaffe]". Accessed 31 August 2006.</ref>
*During a televised debate between U.S. presidential candidates George W. Bush and [[Al Gore]] during the 2000 presidential campaign, Gore's sighs (in response to some of Bush's statements) were heard through Gore's live microphone. In regard to the incident, Gore was quoted as saying "Both the governor and I have learned lessons about when the microphone is on, and when it's off."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://graphics.boston.com/news/politics/campaign2000/news/Gore_campaign_tactics_show_divisive_leadership_Bush_asserts+.shtml|title=Gore campaign tactics show divisive leadership, Bush asserts |last=Johnson |first=Glen|date=10 November 2000|publisher=Boston.com}}</ref>
*On 11 March 2004, following a satellite address to the [[AFL–CIO]], U.S. presidential candidate [[John Kerry]] turned to one of the union workers he was standing near and said "Oh yeah, don't worry man. We're going to keep pounding, let me tell you—we're just beginning to fight here. These guys are the most crooked, you know, lying group of people I've ever seen." Although being removed by an assistant at the time, Kerry's microphone was still live and captured his statement.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/03/10/kerry/ |title=Kerry blasts 'crooked' Republicans|date=11 March 2004|publisher=CNN}}</ref> His words were presumed to be directed at his political rivals, the [[Republican Party (United States)|U.S. Republican Party]] and U.S. President George W. Bush. Kerry spokesman David Wade later claimed that Kerry was indeed aware that his microphone was recording and was not referring to Republicans in general but to their use of "crooked, deceitful, personal attacks over the last four years."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/03/11/kerry.comment/|title=Kerry: Comment aimed at 'attack dogs'|date=11 March 2004|publisher=CNN}}</ref>
*In 2005, French president [[Jacques Chirac]] was heard criticizing British cuisine to Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, saying "The only thing that they have ever done for European agriculture is mad cow disease" and "You can't trust people who cook as badly as that." He was also heard criticizing [[haggis]], saying "that's where our problems with NATO come from", and that British food was the second worst "after Finland".<ref>{{Cite news|last=Barkham|first=Patrick|date=2005-07-05|title=Chirac's reheated food jokes bring Blair to the boil|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2005/jul/05/g8.france|access-date=2022-05-25}}</ref>
*In February 2006, then-Premier of the [[Australia|Australian]] state of [[New South Wales]] [[Morris Iemma]], referring to the recently-appointed CEO of [[Cross City Tunnel]] said at a [[Council of Australian Governments|Council of Australian Governments (COAG)]] meeting during a break with Victorian Premier Steve Bracks "Today? This fuckwit who's the new CEO of the Cross City Tunnel has ... been saying what controversy? There is no controversy,".<ref> {{cite news |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/iemma-apologises-over-f-wit-comment-20060211-gdmy4v.html |url-access=registration |date=11 February 2006 |title=Iemma apologises over f***wit comment |access-date=15 September 2023 |author=<!--not stated--> |publisher=The Sydney Morning Herald |work=Australian Associated Press}}</ref>
*On 1 July 2006, a technician did not turn off the audio feed during a closed-door lunch between [[United States Secretary of State|U.S. Secretary of State]] [[Condoleezza Rice]] and [[Foreign Minister of Russia|Russian Foreign Minister]] [[Sergei Lavrov]] amongst others. Journalists, on listening to the 20-minute broadcast, referred to the conversation as "bickering" about the [[Iraq]]i aid programme.<ref>Blomfield, Adrian. ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]''. 1 July 2006. "[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/07/01/wruss01.xml&sSheet=/news/2006/07/01/ixnews.html Condi and Sergei air differences over an open microphone]{{dead link|date=July 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}". Accessed 30 August 2006.</ref>
{{Wikisource|Bush and Blair conversation}}
*On 17 July 2006, a private conversation, afterwards known as "[[Yo, Blair]]", between U.S. president [[George W. Bush]] and British prime minister [[Tony Blair]] at the [[G8]] Summit in [[St. Petersburg]] was picked up by a nearby microphone. Bush told Blair he hoped the UN would "get Syria to get Hezbollah to stop doing this shit and it's all over" (referring to Syria's influence over and support of Hezbollah in the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon), and that by doing so, the crisis would be over. This was reaffirmed by the suggestion to "get Kofi [Annan] on the phone with [Bashar] Assad and make something happen." He also stated that Condoleezza Rice would visit the area.<ref>BBC News. 17 July 2005. "[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/5187276.stm Bush lunch chat is caught on tape]". Accessed 30 August 2006.</ref><ref>CNN. 21 July 2006. "[http://edition.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/07/18/bush.tape.reaction/ Bush, Blair laugh off microphone mishap]". Accessed 30 August 2006.</ref>
*On 19 October 2006, during an official meeting with Israeli prime minister [[Ehud Olmert]] in [[Moscow]], Russian president [[Vladimir Putin]] was overheard praising Israeli president [[Moshe Katsav]] for raping ten employees of his office.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Myers|first=Steven Lee|date=2006-10-19|title=Putin is overheard making light of rape - Europe - International Herald Tribune|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/19/world/europe/19iht-putin.3222398.html|access-date=2022-01-25|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Putin's Remarks of President Katsav's Might Puzzle Israeli Delegation|url=http://www.mosnews.com/news/2006/10/19/menshealth.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061109141230/http://www.mosnews.com/news/2006/10/19/menshealth.shtml|url-status=usurped|archive-date=9 November 2006|publisher=MosNews|access-date=7 November 2006|date=19 October 2006}}</ref>
*Before a Fox News interview on 6 July 2008, a live microphone picked up [[Jesse Jackson]] whispering to a fellow guest: "See, [[Barack Obama|Barack]]'s been, ah, talking down to black people on this faith-based. ... I want to cut his nuts out. ... Barack, he's talking down to black people" in an apparent response to Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's recent speeches on values.<ref>{{cite web|last=Goldenberg|first=Suzanne|title=US election 2008: 'I want to cut his nuts out' - Jackson gaffe turns focus on Obama's move to the right|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/jul/11/barackobama.uselections2008|work=The Guardian|access-date=9 April 2012|date=10 July 2008}}</ref>
*In March 2010, [[Joe Biden]] described the [[Affordable Care Act]] as "a big fucking deal" to President Obama, which was picked up by the microphones.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/richard-adams-blog/2010/mar/23/joe-biden-obama-big-fucking-deal-overheard |title=Joe Biden: 'This is a big fucking deal' |date=23 March 2010 |work=The Guardian|access-date=2 September 2020 |first=Richard |last=Adams}}</ref>
*On 28 April 2010, British prime minister [[Gordon Brown]] was caught on microphone [[2010 United Kingdom general election#April|describing an encounter with a female voter as a "disaster" and called her a "bigoted woman"]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/election_2010/8649853.stm|title=Gordon Brown 'mortified' by his 'bigoted woman' slur|date=28 April 2010|work=[[BBC News]]}}</ref>
*In June 2010, US Republican Senate nominee from [[California]] [[Carly Fiorina]] criticised the hair of her Democratic opponent, [[Barbara Boxer]] when she did not realise her microphone was on during an interview for [[CNN]].<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XtPMq9xxOY Carly Fiorina Open Mic Gaffe], ''[[The Early Show]]'', [[CBS]], 10 June 2010. Retrieved 22 January 2011.</ref> There was popular question as to whether this was staged as an attempt to undermine respect for Boxer, or whether it was an honest mistake.
*On 8 November 2011, a private conversation between French president [[Nicolas Sarkozy]] and U.S. president [[Barack Obama]] was overheard criticizing Israeli prime minister [[Benjamin Netanyahu]]. Sarkozy branded Netanyahu as a 'liar' and Obama expressed his displeasure with having to deal with Netanyahu on a regular basis.<ref>The Guardian. 8 November 2011. "[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/nov/08/sarkozy-obama-netanyahu-gaffe-microphone Sarkozy and Obama's Netanyahu gaffe broadcast via microphones]" Accessed 8 November 2011.</ref>
*On 26 March 2012, at the tail end of his 90-minute meeting with the outgoing Russian president [[Dmitry Medvedev]], President Obama said that he would have "more flexibility" to deal with controversial issues such as [[missile defense]]. He was heard telling Medvedev, "On all these issues, but particularly [[missile defense]], this, this can be solved but it's important for him [Vladimir Putin] to give me space." Medvedev told the president in English, "Yeah, I understand. I understand your message about space. Space for you..." and President Obama continued his statement with, "This is my last election. After my election I have more flexibility." Medvedev responded saying, again in English, "I understand. I will transmit this information to [[Vladimir Putin|Vladimir]]."<ref>{{cite web|title=Barack Obama gaffe caught on microphone|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/barackobama/9167428/Barack-Obama-gaffe-caught-on-microphone.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327213413/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/barackobama/9167428/Barack-Obama-gaffe-caught-on-microphone.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 March 2012|work=The Telegraph|access-date=9 April 2012|date=26 March 2012}}</ref> (See also the [[US missile defense complex in Poland]].)
*On 11 September 2015, Australian immigration minister [[Peter Dutton]] shared a joke with Prime Minister [[Tony Abbott]], referring to a late meeting as running to "[[Cape York Peninsula|Cape York]] time", and when Abbott replied that "We had a bit of that up in [[Port Moresby]].", Dutton responded with "Time doesn't mean anything when you're about to have water lapping at your door."—a reference to [[sea level rise]] in the Pacific islands. Social services minister [[Scott Morrison]] then drew their attention to the boom microphone above their heads.<ref name=dutton>{{cite news|last1=Knott|first1=Matthew|title=Peter Dutton apologises for microphone gaffe|url=https://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/peter-dutton-apologises-for-microphone-gaffe-20150912-gjlaew.html|access-date=15 September 2015|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=13 September 2015}}</ref>
*On 25 July 2017, following a [[United States Senate Committee on Appropriations|United States Senate Appropriations subcommittee]] meeting, Maine senator [[Susan Collins]] was caught making disparaging statements about Texas congressman [[Blake Farenthold]]. Collins, talking to Rhode Island senator [[Jack Reed (Rhode Island politician)|Jack Reed]], asks him if he heard about Farenthold wanting to challenge her to a [[duel]]. Reed asserts that the congressman did so because Collins "could beat the shit out of him." She then goes on to call Farenthold a "fat guy, he huge" and "so unattractive, it's unbelievable" and references a photo of the congressman at a costume party in pajamas next to a "[[Playboy Bunny|Playboy bunny]]." Farenthold had previously apologized to Collins for his comments about Collins, and the senator, in turn, apologized to Farenthold for hers.<ref name=collins-farenthold>{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/sen-susan-collins-apologizes-to-rep-blake-farenthold-for-calling-him-fat-and-unattractive/article/2629665|title=Sen. Collins apologizes to Rep. Blake Farenthold for calling him 'fat' and 'unattractive'|last=Quinn|first=Melissa|work=The Washington Examiner|date=25 July 2017|access-date=11 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Grieve|first=Pete|date=25 July 2017|title=Collins, Farenthold apologize to each other after hot mic catches Collins calling GOP rep 'unattractive'|url=https://www.cnn.com/2017/07/25/politics/susan-collins-blake-farenthold-unattractive-duel/index.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109040501/https://edition.cnn.com/2017/07/25/politics/susan-collins-blake-farenthold-unattractive-duel/index.html|archive-date=9 November 2020|access-date=2021-04-12|publisher=[[CNN]]}}</ref>
*On 4 December 2019, at a reception at [[Buckingham Palace]] after a [[NATO]] leaders summit in [[Watford]], Britain, Canadian prime minister [[Justin Trudeau]], UK Prime Minister [[Boris Johnson]], French president [[Emmanuel Macron]], Dutch prime minister [[Mark Rutte]], and [[Princess Anne]] were caught mocking and laughing at US president [[Donald Trump]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-12-04 |title=World leaders appear to mock Trump during tense NATO summit - CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nato-summit-world-leaders-appear-to-mock-president-trump-during-tense-meeting/ |access-date=2023-07-06 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Due to the loud talkative environment, what was audibly caught on camera was only a few seconds of footage from the long-lasting conversation but what was heard was Johnson asking Macron "Is that why you were late?" and Trudeau responding making fun of Trump's "impromptu" press conference earlier that morning in which Trump criticized Macron, "He [Macron] was late because he [Trump] takes a 40-minute press conference off the top." Trudeau further added, "You just watched his [Trump] team's jaws drop to the floor." The comments from Trudeau, who appeared very animated during the conference, prompted laughter from the other world leaders and later caused a media frenzy, leaving many to speculate what else was said about Trump. Trump was photographed afterwards appearing upset upon learning the news and later responded by saying "He's [Trudeau] two-faced... I find him to be a nice guy, but the truth is I called him out on the fact that he's not paying 2% [of national GDP towards defence] and I guess he's not very happy about it."<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-12-04 |title=Nato summit: Trump calls Trudeau 'two-faced' over video |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-50653597 |access-date=2023-07-06}}</ref> Trump later had his own hot mics saying it was funny how he called him "two-faced".<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2019-12-04 |title=Trump says calling Trudeau "two-faced" was "funny" |url=https://edition.cnn.com/politics/live-news/nato-summit-2019-day-two-gbr-intl/h_1cd690ccdf2ac432bd6a62ac1747d0b8 |access-date=2023-07-06 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref>
* On 22 April 2020, [[Vaughan Gething]], then the [[Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care (Wales)|Minister for Health and Social Services]] in the [[Welsh Government]], was caught swearing about fellow Labour Member of the [[Senedd]] [[Jenny Rathbone]] during a [[Virtual House of Commons#Use in other legislatures|virtual session]] of the over [[Zoom (software)|Zoom]]. After Rathbone had asked the Minister a few questions about the Welsh Government's response to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], he failed to mute his microphone as he told an unknown person, "What the fuck is the matter with her?".<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-52385006 |title=Coronavirus: Welsh health minister caught swearing about Labour AM |date=22 April 2020 |work=BBC News |access-date=22 April 2020 |archive-date=22 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200422184543/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-52385006 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Waterson |first1=Jim |last2=Hern |first2=Alex |date=2020-04-22 |title=Welsh minister's mic mistake broadcasts sweary rant to assembly |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/apr/22/welsh-ministers-mic-mistake-broadcasts-sweary-rant-to-assembly |access-date=2024-03-17 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |archive-date=17 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317204313/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/apr/22/welsh-ministers-mic-mistake-broadcasts-sweary-rant-to-assembly |url-status=live }}</ref> Some undisclosed Labour MSs contacted by BBC Wales said they were also "very angry" over Gething's actions.<ref name=":0" />
*On 2 June 2020, while asking Bronx [[Borough president|Borough President]] [[Ruben Diaz Jr.]] if he could speak at a news conference, New York Representative [[Eliot Engel]] was caught telling Diaz that "if I didn't have a primary, I wouldn't care" about speaking at the event. The comments were criticized by Engel's primary opponent, [[Jamaal Bowman]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/03/politics/eliot-engel-hot-mic-primary-comment/index.html |title=Rep. Eliot Engel caught on hot mic: 'If I didn't have a primary, I wouldn't care' |last=Foran |first=Clare |date=3 June 2020 |publisher=CNN |access-date=31 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/02/us/politics/eliot-engel-new-york.html |title=Eliot Engel's Hot Mic Moment: 'If I Didn't Have a Primary, I Wouldn't Care' |last=Goldmacher |first=Shane |date=24 June 2020 |website=The New York Times |publisher= |access-date=31 March 2021}}</ref> Bowman later defeated Engel in the primary election.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/2020/07/17/882034409/progressive-jamaal-bowman-projected-to-oust-longtime-n-y-rep-engel-in-primary |title=Progressive Jamaal Bowman Projected To Oust Longtime Rep. Engel In N.Y. Primary |last=Moore |first=Elena |date=17 July 2020 |publisher=NPR |access-date=31 March 2021}}</ref>
*On 21 August 2020, at a virtual [[United States Senate|Senate]] hearing about the [[2020 United States Postal Service crisis]], Senator [[Tom Carper]], apparently speaking to an aide, said "fuck, fuck, fuck," while his microphone was unmuted.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Swanson|first=Ian|date=2020-08-21|title=Democratic senator swears on-air at Postal Service hearing: 'F---, f---, f---'|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/513080-democratic-senator-swears-on-air-at-postal-service-hearing-f-f-f|access-date=2020-08-21|website=TheHill|language=en}}</ref>
*On 14 September 2021, during a session in the [[Parliament of Singapore]] where [[free trade agreement]]s and [[India–Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement|CECA]] were being debated, the [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Singapore)|Minister for Foreign Affairs]] of [[Singapore]], [[Vivian Balakrishnan]] was caught referring to [[Non-constituency Member of Parliament]] [[Leong Mun Wai]] as "illiterate" in a private conversation with his colleagues. Balakrishnan also questioned how Leong was able to enter [[Raffles Institution]]. Balakrishnan subsequently apologised to Leong in private for the remarks.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kurohi|first=Rei|date=2021-09-15|title=Vivian Balakrishnan apologises to PSP's Leong Mun Wai for remarks in Parliament|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/vivian-balakrishnan-apologises-to-psps-leong-mun-wai-for-remarks-in-parliament|access-date=2021-09-15|website=The Straits Times|language=en}}</ref>
* On 16 September 2021, during a session in the [[Chamber of Deputies (Brazil)|Brazilian lower house of Congress]], federal deputy Igor Timo called the president of the Chamber of Deputies, [[Arthur Lira]], a "son of a bitch". Attending the session remotely, and not realizing his microphone was recording, deputy Igor said "He won't let me speak again. What a son of a bitch." After the president asked who said that, deputy Igor went on to congratulate a fellow deputy for her work.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211205/rNBvdbQQqxE Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20211011235400/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNBvdbQQqxE Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNBvdbQQqxE |title=Deputado deixa microfone aberto e xinga Arthur Lira: "Que filho da p..." |date=16 September 2021 |publisher=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
* On 24 January 2022, Fox News White House Correspondent [[Peter Doocy]] asked U.S. president [[Joe Biden]] if "inflation is a political liability in the midterms". Biden, not realizing his microphone was still on, sarcastically responded "It's a great asset — more inflation. What a stupid son of a bitch." Biden subsequently apologized.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Wulfsohn|first=Joseph|date=2022-01-24|title=Biden calls Fox News' Peter Doocy a 'stupid son of a b----' after question about inflation|url=https://www.foxnews.com/media/biden-fox-news-peter-doocy-stupid-son-of-a|access-date=2022-01-25|website=Fox News|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|author=Maegan Vazquez|title=Biden caught on hot mic calling Fox reporter 'a stupid son of a bitch'|url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/24/politics/biden-calls-reporter/index.html|access-date=2022-01-25|website=CNN|date=24 January 2022 }}</ref>
* On 9 August 2022, following a [[hustings]] event being held during the [[July–September 2022 Conservative Party leadership election|UK Conservative Party leadership election]], candidate [[Liz Truss]] and host [[Tom Newton Dunn]] were both picked up on their microphones, with Truss apologising for attacking the media during the event, and Newton Dunn replying with "it's cheap, and you know it".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/truss-turns-on-the-media|title=Truss turns on the media|publisher=[[The Spectator]]|author=Steerpike|date=10 August 2022|access-date=10 August 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/liz-truss-caught-hot-mic-27701207|title=Liz Truss caught on hot mic apologising for attacking media during Tory hustings|last1=Lynch|first1=David|last2=Adu|first2=Aletha|publisher=[[Daily Mirror]]|date=9 August 2022|access-date=10 August 2022}}</ref>
* In September 2022, [[president of South Korea]] [[Yoon Suk-yeol]] was caught on a hot mic allegedly calling members of the [[US Congress]] "idiots" during a conversation about US president Joe Biden's plans to increase the American contribution to the [[Global Fund]], a move which would require Congressional approval. A presidential spokeswoman denied that Yoon had made any reference to either Biden or the US Congress and that he was instead discussing South Korea's [[National Assembly (South Korea)|National Assembly]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-63008895|title=South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol denies US insult caught on hot mic|work=BBC News|date=23 September 2022|access-date=24 September 2022}}</ref>
* In December 2022, [[Prime Minister of New Zealand]] [[Jacinda Ardern]] was caught on a live microphone calling [[ACT New Zealand]] leader [[David Seymour]] "such an arrogant prick" after answering a question he had asked during a session of Parliament. Ardern's office later stated that she apologised to Seymour.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-63954859|title=New Zealand: Jacinda Ardern apologises for MP insult caught on mic|work=BBC News|date=13 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-13 |title=Jacinda Ardern caught on hot mic calling minor opposition party leader an 'arrogant prick' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/dec/13/jacinda-arden-caught-on-hot-mic-calling-minor-opposition-party-leader-an-arrogant-prick |access-date=2022-12-24 |website=the Guardian |language=en}}</ref>
* On 11 July 2023, a video of the [[Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore]] [[Tan Chuan-Jin]], then-[[14th Parliament of Singapore|Member of Parliament]] (MP) for [[Marine Parade Group Representation Constituency|Marine Parade GRC]] who also resigned from both Parliament and the ruling [[People's Action Party]], muttering the words "fucking populist" on 17 April 2023 during the debate on the president’s address in the [[Parliament of Singapore]] became viral, in his reaction to a speech made by [[Workers' Party (Singapore)|Workers' Party]] [[14th Parliament of Singapore|Member of Parliament]] (MP) for [[Sengkang Group Representation Constituency|Sengkang GRC]] [[Associate Professor]] [[Jamus Lim]]. Speaker Tan had uttered the vulgarity after Lim spoke about the need for an "official poverty line" to help the poor and disadvantaged, as Lim advocated for equal opportunities for education, healthcare and employment for all.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-13 |title=Explainer: Speaker Tan Chuan-Jin's use of 'unparliamentary language' — what are the House's rules on such conduct? |url=https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/explainer-tan-chuan-jin-unparliamentary-language-2209486 |access-date=2023-07-14 |website=[[Today (Singapore newspaper)|TODAY]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-11 |title=Speaker Tan Chuan-Jin apologises to Jamus Lim for 'unparliamentary language' caught on hot mic |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/speaker-tan-chuan-jin-apologises-to-wp-mp-jamus-lim-for-unparliamentary-language-caught-on-hot-mic|access-date=2023-07-14 |website=[[The Straits Times]] |language=en}}</ref>
* On 4 September 2023, following an interview with [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] about the closure of school buildings due to [[2023 United Kingdom reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete crisis|concerns over the use of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete]], British [[Secretary of State for Education]] [[Gillian Keegan]] was caught on a live mic remarking "does anyone ever say you've done a fucking good job because everyone else has sat on their fucking arse and done nothing?" before adding "Any sign of that, no?". A Downing Street source criticised the comments as "completely wrong" and Keegan later apologised for the "off-the-cuff" remarks, stating that they were caused by her irritation at the reporter and were not directed at anyone in particular.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-66709282|title=Gillian Keegan apologises for swearing over school concrete crisis|website=BBC News|date=4 September 2023|access-date=4 September 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Gillian Keegan caught on hot mic asking why she's not thanked for 'f-----g good job' |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIXmtsDRcic |website=youtube.com |publisher=[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]] |language=en |format=video |date=4 September 2023}}</ref>
===Other===
* [[Britney Spears]], about to go out in front of her largest ever concert audience in [[Rio de Janeiro]] in 2001, allegedly complained about the organization of her entourage, saying, "Don't tell me that they're just letting the audience just fucking stand out there like that. Oh my God! This is retarded."  Her record company denied that it was Spears' voice that was broadcast to the 170,000 in attendance at the [[Maracanã Stadium|Maracanã]].<ref name="Mirror 18-07-06"/><ref name="BBC 29-01-01"/>
* In March 2005, British King [[Charles III]] (then the Prince of Wales) was heard saying, "Bloody people. I can't stand that man [referring to [[BBC News]] royal correspondent [[Nicholas Witchell]]]. He's so awful, he really is." He was heard to say this while posing for photographers with his sons in [[Klosters]], [[Switzerland]].<ref name="Mirror 18-07-06" /><ref>''[[The Times|Times Online]].'' 31 March 2005. "[https://web.archive.org/web/20080113031530/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,19769-1548722,00.html Charles attacks 'bloody press' in microphone gaffe]."  Accessed 30 August 2006.</ref>
* On 4 November 2010, radio host [[Don Imus]] was caught on a hot mic mocking an advertisement for the charity [[Kars4Kids]] during a commercial break, calling them a "moron" and telling them to "go to hell". Imus apologized the next day for the gaffe.<ref name="noisey-kars4kids">{{cite web|title=1-877-KARS-4-KIDS: Behind the Most Hated (and Best) Jingle of All Time|url=http://noisey.vice.com/blog/kars-4-kids-the-most-hated-and-best-jingle-of-all-time|website=Noisey|date=11 November 2015 |publisher=Vice|access-date=25 August 2016}}</ref><ref name="thr-imuskars">{{cite web | title = MORNING ROUNDUP: Don Imus Apologizes for Telling Kids' Charity Singer to 'Go to Hell'|url=http://www.hollywoodr.eporter.com/news/morning-roundup-don-imus-apologizes-36193|website=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=25 August 2016}}</ref>
==See also==
*[[Media relations]]
*[[Media strategy]]
*[[Public relations]]
==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Broadcasting]]
[[Category:Humour]]