In the beginning of April, ABC News 24 presenter Natasha Exelby was caught daydreaming on-air and was subsequently taken off-air, with all of her news reading shifts taken away from her and being demoted to a junior producer.
But in the weeks since her on-air gaffe, Exelby has told The Daily Telegraph, that she ‘has chosen to cut ties with the ABC’ and she “strenuously rejected any conduct claims”.
“Even though they (the ABC) didn’t do the right thing by me I wanted to do the right thing by them, she continued and also rebuffed claims her blunder was a publicity stunt, saying,
“If that was the case I think some people give me way too much credit … and I should have been an actor”.
The ABC have also made a statement regarding Ms Exelby leaving their company, telling nine.com.au that they ‘have left the door open to Exelby to return if she wanted to’.
“Natasha Exelby has chosen not to do some casual shifts she was rostered for, they continued
“Natasha was not taken off-air because of a ‘blooper’ and ABC News has been clear that we’re open to working with her again, including the possibility of future presenting shifts”.
In the immediate aftermath of Ms Exelby’s gaffe, she took to Twitter to thank people her their support and understanding, saying,
“Thank U all for ur generous support. Not my finest hour. Myself and my mesmerising pen honourably salute you!”– @Natasha Exelby