Hamish McLachlan, a Channel Seven sports reporter was forced to make an apology, after he hugged Monika Radulovic live on air as she tried to speak to the camera.
It was Radulovic's first day as weather presenter for Weekend Sunrise on Saturday, after the 25-year-old model was named Miss Universe Australia in 2015.
Radulovic was reporting from the Magic Millions horse sale on the Gold Coast with veteran sports journalist McLachlan, 40, who is a commentator of horse racing and Australian Football League.
"Is this your first day?" he asked. With what appeared to be a joking frown, Radulovic pushed McLachlan away.
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"Yes, Hamish. Professional please. My goodness," she was quoted as saying by the Sydney Morning Herald.
Radulovic and presenters in the studio began to laugh as McLachlan stepped away.
"There's been stuff all week on that. I'll go. I'm out. I'm going. Sorry," he said, jumping over a wooden fence and standing on the other side as he looked back at Radulovic and the camera.
Twitterati was abuzz with the incident and slammed McLachlan for his behaviour.
"Hamish McLachlan's actions seem to be receiving less condemnation than Gayle's. Wonder why," a person tweeted.
"So how is this ok? Or different to what @henrygayle did and was so unfairly criticised for," another said.
Gayle, a West Indian cricketer, caused controversy last week and was fined for comments he made to sports journalist Mel McLaughlin during a Big Bash game.
After McLachlan made moves to distance himself physically from the awkward embrace of his colleague, he also distanced himself with an on-air apology.
"But more importantly," he said, turning to his colleague, "I apologise if I've offended you.