Dominique Dillon Viral Video: Memphis News Anchor Caught Sleeping on Live TV, Receives Wave of Support Online
A brief moment of dozing off during a live broadcast turned Memphis news anchor Dominique Dillon into an unexpected internet sensation, but rather than facing backlash, she received widespread support and empathy from viewers online.
A brief moment of dozing off during a live broadcast turned Memphis news anchor Dominique Dillon into an unexpected internet sensation, but rather than facing backlash, she received widespread support and empathy from viewers online.
What Happened During The Broadcast
Dillon, who anchors Good Morning Memphis on Fox 13, was briefly caught with her eyes closed during the July 29 broadcast when the programme unexpectedly cut back to the studio following a reporter's segment. The moment was captured on camera and quickly circulated on social media.
Anchor Explains Sleepless Night Before Broadcast
Dillon later explained that she had barely slept the previous night while trying to settle her eight-month-old daughter, Delilah, who was teething, while her husband was working a double shift. A mother of two, she said she managed only a few hours of sleep before waking around 1:30 am for her early morning shift. Jamie Lee Komoroski Viral Video: Woman Seen Whining After Drunken Crash Killed Bride on Wedding Night in South Carolina.
Memphis News Anchor Caught Sleeping On Live TV Goes Viral, Receives Wave Of Support Online
Memphis local news anchor Dominique Dillon has gone viral after she was caught dozing off in the middle of a live newscast.
The cameras caught Dillon resting with her eyes closed after a live report during the morning newscast last month.
“Sleeping Beauty over here,” joked her… pic.twitter.com/1bi5cSBgp0
— Mosheh Oinounou (@Mosheh) August 7, 2026
Speaking about the incident on Today, Dillon admitted she felt "mortified" in the moment and described it as feeling like a nightmare. Her co-anchor Ernie Freeman jokingly nicknamed her "Sleeping Beauty" following the on-air moment. ‘Restricted Airspace’ Violated Near Donald Trump’s Bedminster Golf Club, F-16s Sent To Escort Them Out (Video).
Viewers Respond With Empathy Instead Of Criticism
Rather than criticising Dillon, many viewers online praised her and expressed empathy for the challenges she faces as a working mother. Several working mothers said they related to the exhaustion of balancing childcare with demanding jobs.
Some viewers also raised questions about why the control room cut back to her at that particular moment during the broadcast.
Fox 13 Embraces The Viral Moment
Fox 13 leaned into the unexpected viral attention, turning what could have been an embarrassing on-air incident into a relatable story about motherhood, exhaustion and the everyday realities faced by working parents.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 10, 2026 02:50 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
