A New Zealand city councillor sparked an uproar after joining a livestreamed council meeting from her bathroom, where her washed underwear was on full display. Dunedin City Councillor Jo Galer remotely participated in a council call on Monday, August 3, from her bathroom, where she had laundry drying.
Mayor intervenes as underwear visible
Mayor Sophie Barker immediately stepped in to alert Galer that her underwear and other clothes were drying in full view, as she sat in front of a glass door in the lavatory, according to a cringeworthy clip that has since circulated online.
“You might want to move your camera,” Barker said. “Why? Where is it?” Galer casually responded. “We can see your washing,” the mayor added. “Umm, ok… can you see me?” the clueless councilwoman said.
Barker confirmed that the packed meeting could, in fact, see her, noting she was “only suggesting” that she move her camera. “That’s great. You can see my washing, you can see me. That is no problem,” Galer replied nonchalantly.
Councillor proceeds with speech
Galer then jumped straight into her speech about “frivolous” council spending in front of the packed meeting, with her clothing still on display. A shadowy figure was then seen moving behind a frosted glass door behind Galer as she spoke. It’s unclear whether the door led to another room or a shower stall.
“Who was in the shower? Was it her man? Was she holding someone hostage?” one user commented under a YouTube livestream of the meeting. “What a freaking comedy show paid for by the taxpayer,” another user said.
Public reaction and implications
The incident quickly went viral, drawing a mix of amusement and criticism. Some viewers questioned the professionalism of the councillor, while others saw it as a humorous distraction from the meeting's agenda. The incident highlights the challenges of remote work and video conferencing, especially for public officials, where private moments can easily become public.
Dunedin City Council has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident. However, the footage has been widely shared on social media, sparking debates about decorum and the boundaries of public service in the digital age.
