A Philadelphia TV news anchor known as the “Dean of Traffic” sported a visibly swollen eye while on the air Tuesday — the result of being sucker punched in an attack he blamed on a TikTok challenge.
Bob Kelly, a longtime meteorologist for Fox 29 in the City of Brotherly Love, was slammed in the face by a brute while emceeing a party at a Jersey Shore bar on Sunday.
The unidentified attacker first poured a beer on the journalist’s head before hitting him while filming the incident at Oar House Pub in Sea Isle City, some 30 miles south of Atlantic City, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Kelly was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for minor injuries.
Kelly’s left eye was barely open as he discussed the ordeal during an appearance on “Good Day Philadelphia” on Tuesday.
“It was a frightening, disturbing event that apparently was incited by this TikTok challenge — similar to what you saw happen to Cardi B, with the water and being videoed,” Kelly said.
It is unclear which TikTok challenge Kelly was referring to as it relates to the Cardi B incident.
Video of the incident at Oar House Pub has not surfaced on TikTok or any other online social media platform.
A TikTok spokesperson did not comment.
The Post has sought comment from Kelly as well as from police in Sea Isle City.
Calls to the Oar House Pub went unanswered.
Cardi B was filmed throwing a microphone at a fan who doused her with a cup of water while the New York City-born rapper was performing at an event in Las Vegas on Saturday.
A fan at the event filed a police report alleging they were “struck by an item that was thrown from the stage” though it is unclear if the person is the same one who threw the water at Cardi B.
Kelly. meanwhile. expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support he’s received since the incident.
“Thank you so much for all of the messages on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, cell phone, texting…all concerned about me,” Kelly said.
“I’m OK, I’m here,” he added.