Top 10 Ambushed Press Conferences

When it comes to banking matters, glitter and paper may not be the first things to jump to mind. Just before he could begin discussing Europe’s economy, European Central Bank president Mario Draghi was pelted with white paper and confetti by a table-hopping protestor. Said protestor was later identified as Josephine Witt, a former member of the feminist group FEMEN. It was certainly a bold disruption, especially given that Witt identified as a freelance activist after the fact.

Sounds like someone has an issue here... and not just with Issue 9. In November 2009, the city of Cincinnati debated the merits of the Cincinnati Streetcar Referendum, Issue 9 – which would require any city-funded passenger rail service to be approved by a citywide vote. In the midst of a press conference, one particular Issue 9 supporter attempted to gain attention from cameras on the scene... only to dispute with an anti-Issue 9 speaker. The heated nature of the resulting conversation definitely cemented one point: this isn’t an easy matter to resolve.

Of all the things to shout out; why this? During a press event on behalf of the National Football League, the organization’s commissioner Roger Goodell attempted to address violence carried out by athletes. In the middle of the conference, Benjy Bronk – a writer for “The Howard Stern Show” - made a comment about Goodell’s handling of the incident where NFL player Ray Rice knocked out his fiancée. Bronk was then escorted out, though not before crying out an odd, but highly referential request.

You certainly can’t deny the sheer bravado on display here. In the aftermath of the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting, Wayne LaPierre, the executive Vice President of the NRA, was asked to speak about the matter. Early in LaPierre’s speech supporting increased gun distribution, a protestor came forward to block LaPierre from the audience and media... by carrying a sign saying “NRA Killing Our Kids”. As the protestor was escorted out by security, he made explicitly clear the amount of vitriol he had for the NRA. Whether you agree or disagree, at least the message was apparent. But in case it wasn’t, just a few seconds later, another protestor with another sign showed up, though she was even more quickly escorted off the premises while she called out her disagreement with the organization.

Protests have their place, to be sure, but this doesn’t feel like it. After the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to legalize gay marriage in all 50 states, the White House hosted their annual event celebrating LGBT Pride Month, at which President Barack Obama spoke. Enter Jennicet Gutiérrez, a transgender woman and outspoken activist who called for Obama to end the deportation of LGBT immigrants. Though Gutiérrez’s loud request was notable, it was Obama’s shift from amusement to restrained irritation as he called for the Secret Service that made the event outright fascinating.

The things people do to get attention. In April 2015, Quebec’s culture minister Hélène David was caught off guard by the sudden appearance of Neda Topaloski, a known activist for the feminist group FEMEN. However, it was not Topaloski’s presence, but her actions that raised the most eyebrows; she entered while lifting her top, repeatedly shouting statements against the proposed Bill 20 – intended to promote family medicine and amend certain provisions for abortion - until security arrived. It goes without saying that it was a bold act, but its effectiveness in drawing attention cannot be denied.

A simple slogan, yet no less effective today. Not long after the fatal shooting of North Charleston citizen Walter Scott by a police officer, the city’s mayor Keith Summey held a press conferenceto discuss the videotape showing the shooting and his remorse about the matter. At first seemingly well-regarded, Summey’s speech was interrupted by protestors chanting the simple line “No Justice, No Peace”. Everyone present had legitimate grievances – Summey wanted to maintain order, the protestors wanted justice for a wrongful death – yet tragically, they were driven to conflict by the situation.

When the term “make it rain” was invented, one has to imagine this wasn’t the expected result. Yet rain it did for Sepp Blatter, the 8th president of FIFA, at a press conference discussing his plans not to return for another term. Blatter was approached by Simon Brodkin, a British comedian, who handed him a stack of fake money simulating a bribe. As Brodkin was escorted away by security, he tossed the bills into the air – showering Blatter in money, and capping off clear satire with quite the visual flourish.

Bad pun aside, this is still among the most bizarre of public events imaginable. While speaking to the media in 2008, Russian political activist and former chess master Garry Kasparov was drawn to an unusual sight: a flying, remote-controlled dildo. Said phallic object flew about, further disrupting the press conference in incredible fashion before being brought down by a firm slap. We’re not sure what to take away from this, but regardless we’re entranced and amused.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- Malcolm Smith Interrupted by 9/11 Truther
2014
- NBA’s Stephen Curry’s Post-Game Conference
2015
- Real Madrid Interrupt Carlo Ancelotti’s Post-Match Conference
2014
- Arvind Kejriwal’s Conference Disrupted by Ink Throwers
2013
- Liam Gallagher Gatecrashes a Manchester City Conference
2012

However you may feel about former U.S. President George W. Bush, there’s no doubt about his reflexes. During a press event in Baghdad in 2008, Bush was met with Iraqi journalist Muntadhar al-Zaidi, who voiced his displeasure through the practice of shoeing. Bush’s quick dodge of not one but two thrown shoes was impressive enough, but what makes the disruption interesting is the President’s immediate nonchalance when discussing the incident. We’ll say this: it certainly made for an interesting conference through-and-through.

Do you agree with our list? What ambushed press conference stands out to you? For more world-savvy Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.