US anchor falls for MH17 prank

An American news anchor covering the MH17 tragedy was called a "dumbass" on live television after crossing to a prank caller.

Cable news network MSNBC's Krystal Ball was caught off guard Thursday after a man claiming to have witnessed the downed Malaysian flight's final moments was put to air.

"It would appear that the plane was shot down by a blast of wind from Howard Stern's ass," the man, identified by Ball as US staff sergeant Michael Boyd, said.

Failing to pick up on his description of the incident, Ball continued to probe.

"Well you're a dumbass, aren't you?" he replied, forcing the stunned news team to cut to a break.

It is reported that the prank was likely masterminded by radio shock jock Howard Stern.

Source: Boston Herald
Author: Chloe Ross, Approving editor: Martin Zavan