Israel’s top weatherman Danny Roop was suspended from his post Wednesday for standing up next to his female co-host and pretending to unbuckle his belt after she had asked him if he has tattoos.
As part of a segment of Channel 13’s morning show, Danny Roop and co-host Rotem Israel were discussing tattoos that cover young people’s scars. Israel asked Roop if he had any tattoos himself, after which Roop stood up and said, “I’ll show you,” directing his groin area towards her, pretending to unbuckle his pants, and laughing. Israel, who appeared stunned by Roop’s response, replied, “Sometimes your jokes are so not funny.”
Officials at Channel 13 issued a statement saying that his conduct was “inappropriate and that the case would be dealt with. As of now, Danny is suspended from presenting live broadcasts.” Roop also hosts a financial program, “Behind the Money.”
Several days ago, Roop’s morning show came under fire for hosting Israeli reality star Lihi Greener, an anti-vaxxer who has made baseless arguments linking the coronavirus vaccine to autism.
Dozens of Israeli public broadcaster employees allege sexual harassment, abuse and humiliation
MeToo? Israeli start-up that covered up sexual harassment raised $70m
How not to take a statement from a sexual assault suvivor
Responding to Wednesday’s incident on Channel 13, the chairwoman of the Na’amat women’s organization, Hagit Pe’er, called Roop’s conduct “disgusting.”
“It’s inconceivable that in Israel in 2021, a presenter would permit himself to act in such a manner on a live broadcast. What message exactly was Danny Roop seeking to convey to his audience of female and male viewers?”
Channel 12, a rival of Channel 13, posted a clip of the broadcast and asked whether Roop’s conduct constituted sexual harassment. It later removed the clip.
English
Arabic
Chinese (Simplified)
Dutch
French
German
Italian
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish