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This is Olivia Cleary: The reporter who handled harassment from Oregon State fans with composure

KEZI’s Cleary won widespread praise after a group of fans disrupted her live report during Oregon State’s game against Lafayette.

Roddy Cons

Scottish sports journalist and content creator. After running his own soccer-related projects, in 2022 he joined Diario AS, where he mainly reports on the biggest news from around Europe’s leading soccer clubs, Liga MX and MLS, and covers live games in a not-too-serious tone. Likes to mix things up by dipping into the world of American sports.

Update: Oct 21st, 2025 18:21 EDT

Every so often, a video makes the rounds on social media showing a sports reporter forced to deal with unruly “fans” behaving like neanderthals behind them during a live broadcast. Unfortunately for Olivia Cleary, it was her turn on Saturday, Oct. 18.

Fans interrupt live report at Oregon State game

Cleary, a reporter with ABC affiliate KEZI in Oregon, was covering the football game between Oregon State and Lafayette when a group of Beavers fans began hassling her. One young man repeatedly bobbed his head in front of the camera, while another screamed the viral phrase “6-7” at the top of his voice. Hand gestures, giggling, and random shouts came from others in the group.

This is extremely frustrating to watch from some Oregon State fans. Ridiculous behavior, and extremely unfair to a young, professional reporter trying to grow her career.

Olivia did not deserve this. No one does.

If the game isn’t exciting enough, go home. pic.twitter.com/HD8t0Vx8Dg
— Cam (@CamDerbyTV) October 19, 2025

Reporter earns widespread praise for professionalism

Rather than lose focus, Cleary has earned widespread praise for how she handled the situation. She delivered a flawless report despite the considerable distractions, smiling throughout the entire segment. Viewers were impressed by her composure and professionalism.

Cleary’s growing career in sports media

On her personal website, Cleary describes herself as a “passionate sports media professional with a rich background in athletics and storytelling.” She graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism in the summer of 2025, by which time her broadcasting career was already well underway.

She has performed both on-camera and production roles in sports media, covering college and professional athletics. At KEZI 9 News, Cleary reports and anchors nightly sportscasts on the University of Oregon, Oregon State, and local high schools. She also serves as a sideline reporter for the Big Ten Network.

Cleary has conducted numerous one-on-one interviews with coaches and athletes from various sports, which she describes as her favorite projects.

I’m aware of the video circulating and want to thank everyone for the support! At the start of my live shot, fans were kind and added a fun element to my coverage. As it went on, a few fans stuck around and things got a little out of hand which is what you saw. For the most part,…
— Olivia Cleary (@LivCleary) October 20, 2025

“Things got a little out of hand”

“I’m aware of the video circulating and want to thank everyone for the support!” Cleary wrote on X after Saturday’s incident. “At the start of my live shot, fans were kind and added a fun element to my coverage. As it went on, a few fans stuck around and things got a little out of hand, which is what you saw.”

Oregon State issues apology

Cleary has received widespread online praise for her reaction, which has been described as “classy” and showing “tremendous poise and composure.” Oregon State’s athletic program also apologized to Cleary on X, commending “her professionalism and composure in handling the moment.”