The broadcast was intended as an examination of the continuing Word of Blake crisis and the Federated Suns military reaction to the latest attacks. Guests for the show included Major (Retired) Ephraim Pasquale, formerly of the Third Crucis Lancers, and Kirrel Oshinko of the Open Seas Institute of Social Harmony, as well as regular commentators Jacopo Moricca and Sean Vogel.
Speaking at a press conference held outside Ineffable Grace Hospital this morning, Hager expressed his deepest apologies to the network, his producers and his viewing audience for the incident, which he called "an unfortunate example of the worst tendencies of humanity under stress." He continued by extending an invitation to last night's guests to reappear on his show at any time.
Exactly what sparked the brawl is unknown. Video leading up to the first punch shows Mr. Oshinko leaning over to apparently make a private comment to Mr. Vogel after an impassioned speech by Major Pasquale on the need for all Federated Suns citizens to support the men and women serving with the AFFS during this time of crisis. His comment was not picked up on the audio feed. Seconds later, however, Major Pasquale leapt from his chair and threw a punch at Mr. Oshinko, knocking him to the floor and prompting Mr. Vogel to launch his own counterattack.
Yeston Durnas, a lawyer for Major Pasquale, issued the following statement from his office: "Major Pasquale regrets his rash actions of last night and feels that they reflect poorly not only on himself but also on his fellow soldiers past and present. He extends his personal apologies to Mr. Oshinko in particular but also to the other guests and viewers of last night's show and to the host, Thom Hager."
There has so far been no official statement from the network regarding the incident or any legal action that may result.