News presenter Natasha Exelby says ABC ‘did the wrong thing’ after on-air blooper

Former ABC news presenter Natasha Exelby has said the broadcaster “did wrong by her” after her infamous gaffe attracted worldwide attention.

Exelby was taken off air after being caught daydreaming on ABC24 at the start of April.

Her stunned expression led to her being publicly ridiculed around the world, and the ABC responded by cutting all her newsreading shifts and relegating her to the role of junior producer.

Read more: Natasha Exelby leaves ABC after on-air gaffe

The journalist yesterday told The Daily Telegraph she had chosen to cut ties with the network after she "strenuously rejected any conduct claims".

“Even though they (the ABC) didn’t do the right thing by me I wanted to do the right thing by them,” Exelby said.

She also hit back at accusations that the gaffe was a publicity stunt.

“If that was the case I think some people give me way too much credit ... and I should have been an actor,” she told the newspaper.

The ABC told nine.com.au they left the door open to Exelby if she wanted to return.

"Natasha Exelby has chosen not to do some casual shifts she was rostered for," the network said in a statement.

"Natasha was not taken off-air because of a 'blooper' and ABC News has been clear that we’re open to working with her again, including the possibility of future presenting shifts."

She is now working in crisis management and consultancy, according to The Daily Telegraph.