A CBS News LA affiliate is backing away from a previous statement on its website that said CBS2 and KCAL reporter Serene Branson had “no indication of serious medical problems” after she slurred her words live on air.
But Branson apparently suffered a TIA (transient ischemic attack, or mini-stroke) while broadcasting live on air a few hours after the Grammy’s ended on Sunday.
KCAL-9 posted the statement on the station’s website yesterday, saying Branson was examined on the scene by paramedics and then given a ride home by a colleague.
Viewers — including a neurosurgeon — immediately criticized CBS for diminishing what could be a potentially serious, career threatening illness for Branson.
Dr. John Krakauer, associate professor of neurology and neuroscience at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, told CBS News. “Frankly, I would have admitted her.”
On Monday night, anchors for KCAL-9 clarified the station’s previous statement:
They said Branson had suffered from “health related problems” but that she is feeling better. They also said that Branson “followed up with a visit to the doctor for medical tests” and hopes to be back on the air soon.
