Channel Nine has faced some backlash after one of its reporters was caught committing an insensitive act near a Bondi terror attack memorial service.
Instagram user Matthew Bower was filming a vigil at Burleigh Heads for the victims of Sunday’s sickening terror attack which claimed the lives of 15 people.
The video showed Channel Nine’s Gold Coast weather and surf reporter Luke Bradnam casually practicing his golf swing just metres away from the service.
The video also showed a young Jewish woman delivering an emotional speech about ‘what it means to be a Jewish person in Australia’.
The uploader captioned the video: ‘Well done, Channel 9,’ adding a face palm emoji.
He also highlighted Bradnam’s act in another caption which read: ‘Bondi Memorial at 4 – golf at 4.30.’
Channel Nine has faced some backlash after reporter Luke Bradnam was caught committing an insensitive act near a Bondi Terror attack memorial service
The clip sparked debate online, with some slamming the reporter over the act, with one angry commenter writing: ‘nah, that’s f***ed.’
 However, others defended Bradnam, claiming the criticisms were an overreaction.Â
‘God forbid the weatherman relaxes a little,’ one commented.
Another echoed the sentiment, suggesting that life needs to go on in the face of such a terrible tragedy. Â
‘As much as it is terrible and upsetting that this happened, people still need to live their lives,’ they wrote.
‘What happened has affected everyone in Australia, plus the rest of the world. But that doesn’t mean we stop everything.’
One commenter rebutted with: ‘Can’t believe I’m seeing comments supporting him. Shameful.’
Speaking to News Corp, an apologetic Bradnam said it was ‘never the intention’ to cause distress.
A since deleted video, uploaded to Instagram, showed Channel Nine’s Gold Coast weather reporter casually practicing his golf swing just metres away from the vigil
‘I wasn’t aware I was visible to those attending the vigil,’ he told the publication.
‘We had moved to a location further away, where we could not see or hear the speeches, to ensure my weather report did not cause any disruption to the event.’
Bradnam added that after finishing his work duties, he also attended the vigil.
‘My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and everyone impacted,’ he said.
Bradnam also made headlines back in November 2020 when his car was stolen during a live cross.
He was presenting the weather from Cavill Avenue on the Gold Coast – a popular Schoolies nightlife strip in Surfers Paradise – when a group of youths allegedly stole his Ford Ranger ute.
Three teenagers were arrested later that evening at about 11.30pm, only a few hundred metres down the road from where they allegedly took off with the car.
Bradnam admitted he had left the keys in the ignition and was joking with the youths just moments before the alleged theft.Â
‘I finished the weather and I’m taking out my earpiece and look over and my car is reversing up. I actually started laughing – I thought it was a mate having a goof,’ he told the Gold Coast Bulletin at the time.
‘But then I could see how aggressively it was being reversed and suddenly I realised this is someone stealing my car.’
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Channel Nine faces backlash after Gold Coast reporter practises golf swing at Bondi Beach terror attack vigil: ‘Well done’