'So crass': TV channel apologizes for filming N.Z. PM Jacinda Ardern breastfeeding
Maternity leave may be over for Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand, but she’s still juggling her responsibilities as a first-time mom with leading her country. And while she is not opposed to addressing her constituents while cradling her infant daughter in her arms, many say a state broadcaster crossed the line when it filmed, and then posted, footage of the 38-year-old politician breastfeeding the baby.
As News.com.au reports, Television New Zealand (TVNZ) was accused of violating Ardern’s privacy following a press conference where she announced a ban on plastic bags. After her address, the new mother took her 8-week-old baby, Neve, to the back of the hall and appeared to begin nursing. A cameraperson for the broadcaster’s 1News channel captured the mother-daughter moment, and the footage was shared online — with the infant highlighted in a circle.
delete your account pic.twitter.com/WPntAaFeVx
— Toby Manhire (@toby_etc) August 10, 2018
The video was taken down, however, following viewer outcry. Actor Jemaine Clement of Flight of the Conchords fame was among those who thought the video was inappropriate.
Not cool.
— Jemaine Clement (@AJemaineClement) August 10, 2018
This is so unfair. I found it so hard as a new mum to nurse in front of friends or family let alone in public with a camera on. It get's easier… but whoever chose to film this just sucks as a person
— Meg de Ronde (@MegdeRonde) August 10, 2018
Unbelievable. So crass. I genuinely (if stupidly) thought NZ media was better than this.
— Oli Brooke-White (@OliBrookewhite) August 10, 2018
LEAVE THE BABY ALONE.
— La RainDear (@LauraineJacobs) August 10, 2018
This seems inappropriate. Not the breast-feeding; the video. Does this TV channel poke cameras into girls' changing rooms too?
— else{} (@leighelse) August 10, 2018
TVNZ later issued an apology.
“Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was discussing the issue of single-use plastic bags, and that should have been our focus,” a TVNZ spokeswoman said in a statement to media outlets. “We accept the criticism. We got it wrong.”
Kristina Paterson, founder of the Mothers Helpers support group, told the New Zealand Herald that the footage amounted to a “violation of privacy.”
“Any filming of the prime minister with her baby should be only at the prime minister’s expressed consent,” Paterson said.
Ardern made history when she and partner Clarke Gayford welcomed Neve on June 21. She is the first world leader to give birth in office since 1990 and the first world leader to take maternity leave.
A post shared by Jacinda Ardern (@jacindaardern) on Jun 20, 2018 at 11:14pm PDT
Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.
