Truth can be stranger than Fiction.

One of my favorite laugh-out-loud movies of all time has to be the 1988 flick “The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad.”

One scene in particular which is always sure to tickle the funny bone is where inept detective Frank Drebin (played brilliantly by Leslie Nielsen) attends a press conference given by the mayor. After making his remarks, Drebin gives way to the mayor and proceeds to go use the restroom. What Drebin doesn’t realize is that he has left on his wireless microphone while he enthusiastically urinates. As the mayor attempts to maintain some sort of decorum during her remarks, she is consistently drowned out by the sound of Drebin relieving himself while singing a happy tune.

Again, that was only a movie.

However, I present this story from the “Truth is stranger than Fiction” department.


Kyra Phillips, anchor of CNN's "Live From...,'' unwittingly upstaged President Bush's speech in New Orleans with on-the-air analysis of her husband and the marriage of her brother — all live from a CNN ladies room.

Unaware that her wireless microphone was "live'' during her break, Phillips could be heard overriding Bush's prepared address Tuesday as he was seen marking the first anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.

The Atlanta-based Phillips, in conversation with an unidentified woman in an echoey room, dismissed most men with a vulgar term, but called herself "very lucky in that regard. My husband is handsome and he is genuinely a loving — you know, no ego — you know what I'm saying? Just a really passionate, compassionate, great, great human being. And they exist. They do exist. They're hard to find. Yup. But they are out there.''

A few moments later, she observed that "brothers have to be, you know, protective. Except for mine. I've got to be protective of him.''

Why? "His wife is just a control freak.''


Hooo, boy!! Thanksgiving with that family ought to be interesting this year.


At that point, another voice cut in: "Kyra.''

"Yeah, baby?'' replied Phillips on hearing her name.

"Your mike is on. Turn it off. It's been on the air.''


No word on whether or not Phillips cursed just prior to switching off her mic.


CNN anchor Daryn Kagan, looking flustered, then broke into the telecast with a recap of what Bush had been saying.


She probably had no clue. She was too wrapped up in Kyra’s ranting and raving.


Phillips later apologized to viewers "for an issue we had with our mikes'' and "for a little bit of an interruption there during the president.''


Did she also apologize to her sister-in law?


CNN issued its own official statement, explaining the network had "experienced audio difficulties during the president's speech today in New Orleans.”


No, there were no difficulties. I’m sure all the viewers heard Phillips loud and clear.


“We apologize to our viewers and the president for the disruption.''


Ah, that’s OK. I’m sure you’ll distort the president’s comments in a later news cast.


The network also apologized to the White House.


Not necessary. I'm sure CNN's blunder provided the White House with plenty of amusement.

That had to be worth more than any apology.