Earlier this week, footage emerged of a reporter seemingly being assaulted live on-air as she was covering a charity run.
The incident took place at the Savannah Bridge Run in Savannah, Georgia, where 23-year-old WSAV-TV reporter Alex Bozarjian was covering the event. As she did so, a man in a hat and sunglasses appeared to slap her backside as he ran past, and while she managed to regain her composure while working, she took to Twitter afterward to slam him for his actions.
To see the moment the reporter was slapped on the behind, check out the video below:The 23-year-old reporter wrote on Twitter: "To the man who smacked my butt on live TV this morning: You violated, objectified, and embarrassed me. No woman should EVER have to put up with this at work or anywhere!! Do better."
"He took my power, and I'm trying to take that back," Bozarjian told CBS News. "I think what it really comes down to is that he helped himself to a part of my body."
Because the clip was public, people online then went on a mission to identify the man, Inside Edition has reported. He was identified as 43-year-old Tommy Callaway of Statesboro, Georgia, as a result of the number on race his bib.
Check out Callaway's interview below:Now, he has spoken out about the incident, telling Inside Edition that he did not intend to assault the 23-year-old. Instead, he had planned to wave at her camera, but he missed and accidentally touched Bozarjian. He said:
"I was caught up in the moment. I was getting ready to bring my hands up and wave to the camera to the audience, there was a misjudge in character and decision-making. I touched her back; I did not know exactly where I touched her."
In an interview with CBS News, a Savannah police spokesperson said they were willing to work with Bozarjian to address the situation in a manner she feels is appropriate.
Sadly, this is not the first time a female reporter has been subjected to this kind of behavior:Callaway's attorney Joseph Turner released a statement on Monday night saying that his client "did not act with any criminal intentions."
"Tommy is a loving husband and father who is very active in the community. We have been in touch with WSAV and representatives of Ms. Alex Bozarjian, as well as members of Savannah law enforcement. We do not expect any criminal charges to arise from this incident, and we are working with those involved to correct the situation."