The fiancée of 7News AFL journalist Mitch Cleary has been seen at her parents' home with their seven-month-old daughter, following his admission of kissing another woman while she was pregnant. The incident occurred during a media junket in Dubai last November.
Mitch Cleary admitted to the indiscretion in response to a report that named him. His fiancée, horse racing commentator Kate Watts, had initially named the Collingwood staffer involved in a since-deleted Instagram post. While the Daily Mail understands it was a kiss and not an affair, the revelation has placed Cleary at the center of public scrutiny.
Cleary addressed the situation on his AFL podcast, 'The Tradies,' issuing a second apology. "I made a really bad error in judgement on a night out last year and I'm dealing with the consequences of that," he stated. "It's caused so much hurt, stress and embarrassment to those closest to me, most importantly Kate and my daughter."
The media junket in Dubai was attended by several prominent figures from the media and Collingwood Football Club, including players Darcy Moore, Isaac Quaynor, Josh Daicos, and Nick Daicos. Senior television news cameraman Damian Shine and Herald-Sun gossip columnist Jackie Epstein were also reportedly present.
Sources confirmed that the kiss involved a Collingwood employee who is not a member of the club's media department, contrary to online rumors. A Collingwood insider stated that a consensual kiss took place during personal time on an off-season trip, and the staff member regrets the incident. Cleary and Watts have been engaged for two years and together for approximately five years. Their daughter was born in February.
Cleary's fiancée, Watts, hails from AFL royalty, with her younger brother Jack having played for Port Adelaide and Melbourne. She appeared composed when seen heading to her parents' home with their child.