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International Business Times UK

Adrienne Martinez

'Awkward' ESPN Moment Stuns Scott Van Pelt On Live TV, Now He Is Being Slammed For 'Disgusted' Reaction - What Happened?

Scott Van Pelt Van Pelt ESPN Collin Rugg New Year Instagram Reddit

Scott Van Pelt kicked off 2026 with an awkward live TV moment after a same-sex couple kiss during the New Year’s Eve broadcast (Credit: Photo: Scott Van Pelt/Instagram@svponsportscenter)

Scott Van Pelt, ESPN's SportsCenter host, appeared visibly stunned on live television during his show's coverage of the New Year's Eve Ball Drop in Times Square.

The awkward moment came when the camera panned to a gay couple kissing, prompting a noticeable pause from Van Pelt. His reaction, which some viewers interpreted as visible discomfort or even disgust, has since gained traction online, with many criticising him over the incident. Here's what happened.

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