Brad Fittler in awkward run-in with Jessica Fox at grand final after 'kiss cam' controversy

If Brad Fittler was trying to make amends with Jessica Fox, it didn't really work. The NRL legend and Channel 9 commentator had an awkward run-in with the Olympic champion after the grand final on Sunday night, just weeks after controversy erupted between the pair.

Fox and sister Noemie are massive Penrith Panthers fans, and were guests of honour during a home game in August after their heroics at the Paris Olympics. But Fittler found himself at the centre of scandal after a throwaway comment that came back to bite him during an interview.

Fittler was about to interview the Fox sisters on Channel 9 before the game when 'kiss cam' was happening inside the stadium, with couples randomly shown on the big screen and asked to kiss each other. Fittler was watching the 'kiss cam' gimmick and said: “Just waiting for the kiss cam to come on...On me."

Considering Fittler was on screen with both Fox sisters at the time, many interpreted his comment to mean he wanted to kiss them. The sisters both looked very awkward after the comment, and Noemie even asked if they were live on air yet.

But Channel 9 later released a statement claiming Fittler wasn't linking the 'kiss cam' comment to the fact he was on screen with Jess and Noemie. A spokesperson said: “An activation was taking place in the stadium last night with a kiss cam that was not part of the TV coverage and Brad’s comments related to that activity on the ground. Brad’s comments were not directed to the Fox sisters, no malice was intended and no offence was taken.”

Brad Fittler and Jessica Fox in awkward grand final moment

The controversy went away pretty quickly, but it was thrust back into the spotlight on Sunday night when the Fox sisters were both in attendance for the grand final. Fittler was in the Panthers rooms after their victory doing interviews for Channel 9, and spotted Jess standing nearby.

Fittler attempted to make light of the awkward situation by offering Fox a beer he was holding, before asking her a few questions. "Jess, can you take that? You can have that," he said before Fox politely declined.

Fittler then said: "I'm still working. Did you have a good night?" Fox responded: "Amazing. So special to be here and celebrate and, yeah, it's wonderful for Penrith and stoked for the whole team."

Fittler then asked: '"Will Penrith be pumping or what?" To which Fox said: "Absolutely. I can't imagine what it's like at the moment."

TV viewers immediately took to social media to point out how awkward the interaction was in light of the 'kiss cam' controversy. One person wrote: "The most awkward TV of the evening. Someone tell him to stop!" While a second commented: "Why is Brad Fittler allowed to interview Fox again?"

RELATED:

• Cameron Munster and Craig Bellamy respond after biting allegation

• NRL fans blast 'appalling' act during grand final runner-up speech

Brad Fittler laps up Panthers triumph with beer in hand

Fittler was in a jovial mood in the sheds after his former team won their fourth-straight premiership. His Channel 9 colleagues noticed him holding a beer while chatting to Liam Martin, and questioned how much work he was actually doing.

Paul Gallen said on the coverage: “Look at him! He hasn’t even got a microphone in his hand, he’s got a beer! Have a go at him!”

Darren Lockyer added: “Swapped the microphone for a Tooheys. He’d be telling stories about him back in the day”. While Cameron Smith asked: “Is he going to be able to put two words together?"