A government minister in the UK has lived everyone’s worst nightmare, after he was caught swearing at his colleague during a work video chat. However, while he may have been left feeling mortified over the exchange, it seems the vast majority of people find the situation hilarious.
Just like much of the world, the Welsh government has moved the bulk of its meetings online, using platform Zoom to discuss important matters for the country. But this week, they went viral for all the wrong reasons when Health Minister Vaughan Gething openly criticised fellow politician Jenny Rathbone.
The 46-year-old experienced the ultimate blunder when he forgot to turn off his microphone and could be heard saying, to the horror of the 20 government officials dialled into the chat, “what the f**k is the matter with her?”.
After the success of virtual Parliament this morning, Welsh Health Minister Vaughan Gething showed us how it’s NOT done by leaving his mic on after finishing his statement this afternoon… pic.twitter.com/7P7NpVpqK1
— Kirsty Lewis (@kirstylewis6) April 22, 2020
The shock of his colleagues was evident, with some covering their faces in disbelief, while others struggled to contain their laughter. Despite calls from presiding officer Elin Jones for Gething to turn his microphone off, the health minister could be heard muttering in the background about Rathbone, clearly unaware that his comments could clearly be heard by everyone else on the call.
“I think Vaughan Gething needs to turn his mic off,” Jones could be heard saying. “Vaughan Gething needs to turn his microphone off.”
A video of the chat has since been published online, and it’s quickly gained a lot of attention – mostly due to the hilarious facial reactions of the politicians. Thousands of people have shared the post with many more leaving comments saying how funny it was to watch.
“I’ve watched this too many times, focusing on a different person’s reaction each time,” @kerrya11en commented on Twitter.
“The reactions of the others are the best part,” @welshblondie28 added. While @Jamesspenle added: “This is so bad, it’s hilarious.”
While it’s given the general public a bit of a laugh, Gething has taken the situation seriously, taking to social media shortly after the shocking moment with an apology for Rathbone. The politician described it as an “unwelcome distraction” and said he was embarrassed by his choice of words.
I’m obviously embarrassed about my comments at the end of questions today. I’ve sent a message apologising and offered to speak to @JennyRathbone if she wishes to do so. It is an unwelcome distraction at a time of unprecedented challenge.
— Vaughan Gething (@vaughangething) April 22, 2020