Dr. Anthony Fauci’s latest White House press briefing descended into chaos on Tuesday as reporters, frustrated at being ignored, shouted questions at the Biden administration’s chief medical adviser.

Shortly after the briefing, it became a free-for-all as reporters shouted questions, yelled at their colleagues, while Today News Africa correspondent Simon Ateba heckled the White House press secretary , Karine Jean-Pierre, for not having called more journalists. .

About 15 minutes into the briefing, a shouting reporter named Steven drew a sharp rebuke from Ms. Jean-Pierre.

“I didn’t call you on you, Steven,” she said pointedly.

The rebuke did little to appease the others. A reporter shouted a question at Dr. Fauci about the origins of the COVID virus.

Ms. Jean-Pierre quickly returned to the podium to admonish the unruly journalists.

“We have a process here. I don’t call people who shout. And you are disrespectful to your colleagues and you are disrespectful to our guests. I won’t call you if you’re screaming and also taking time out because Dr. Fauci has to leave in a few minutes,” she said.

The reprimand did little to quell the press revolt as reporters continued to shout questions.

“I’m done. I’m not going to go back and forth with you. It’s not your turn, “said Ms. Jean-Pierre.

In response, Mr Ateba came to the defense of a colleague, insisting that she was asking a “valid and valid question… and you should allow her to ask it. She asks about the origins of COVID.

“I hear your question, but we’re not proceeding the way you want, Simon. I’m done with you now,” she said.

Ms Jean-Pierre has been criticized in the past for answering journalists’ questions only in the front rows of the briefing room, often ignoring the back rows.

White House staffers defended press access to the president, saying they were appealing to a diverse number of outlets. Yet the White House has also been criticized for routinely pre-screening reporters who can ask President Biden questions at regular events.

For more information, visit the Washington Times COVID-19 resource page.