Local Reporter Keeps Cool As Man Harasses Her With Sexist and Racist Catcalls

Spectrum News Rochester’s Brianna Hamblin was with her cameraman Scott Barstow in a residential neighborhood — not broadcasting live yet but the camera was recording as they prepared for the segment. A man walking down the sidewalk expressed his annoyance about not wanting to be on camera. After Barstow told him they weren’t live yet, the man said thank you and “you look nice” to Hamblin.Show more

The second man who passed by was far less cordial.

“You’re beautiful as hell,” he said to Hamblin, who said “thank you” with a tight smile.

“I better not be on the motherfucking camera,” he said, asking why they were in the area. She replied that he should watch Spectrum News and find out.

“See, that’s why I can’t be left alone with a black woman, or a mulatto chick,” the man said. “Because I can’t stand these fucking white girls.”

“Alright,” said Hamblin, looking at the camera. “We are done here. Have a great rest of your day.”

“You are sexy as fuck,” the man said, continuing to talk to himself as he walked away.

The camera zoomed in on Hamblin’s face. “Oh, my God,” she said.

Hamblin posted the video on her Twitter account in a thread that thanked Barstow for being there with her and called out how sadly common it was for female reporters, specifically women of color, to be harassed.