Sky News presenter blasted for ‘horrible, mean-spirited’ swipe at 13-year-old gamer’s record-breaking win
A SKY News presenter has been blasted as ‘horrible’ and ‘mean-spirited’ after she swiped at a teenager’s record-breaking gaming win.
The 24-hour news channel was reporting on how a 13-year-old boy has become the first person to beat the legendary game Tetris.
Willis Gibson, who is from Oklahoma in the US, also bagged a world record for his attempts.
He played the popular 1988 game on his original Nintendo device.
But presenter Jayne Secker has come under fire from viewers following comments she made on air.
As the report ended, the 51-year-old, who was filling in for Breakfast anchor Kay Burley, urged him to ‘get some fresh air’.
Looking down the camera, Jayne said: “As a mother I would just say step away from the screen, go outside, get some fresh air. Beating Tetris is not a life goal.”
Furious fans flocked to social media to comment on her words, but also pointing out how she had praised 16-year-old darts player Luke Littler.
One said: “It is the Year of Our Lord 2024 and Sky News is still telling people who play video games to go outside and get some fresh air, notably on the same day they’re praising a 16-year-old darts player.”
A second wrote: “In my early years I had a parent who minimised my own accomplishments. Be careful with your words. Do better.”
“I know it likely wasn’t intended in this way, but what a sad, mean-spirited thing to say, especially about a child,” said a third.
While a fourth posted: “What a small-minded, smug and horrible way to belittle this kid’s achievement. As a mother I’d be super f****** proud. This took skill and determination, brilliant job!”
It’s not the first time Jayne has come under fire from viewers, having been slammed for her questioning to a renter live on air.
Jayne, who is a landlord herself, claimed her own tenants ‘don’t know how to change a lightbulb’ during the awkward exchange.