Former ESPN reporter Britt McHenry has resigned from her State Department job after a confrontation at an NBA game in which she threw a drink toward a spectator. She told Front Office Sports that she had signed a resignation letter, the outlet reported October 23.
McHenry, 40, attended the Washington Wizards’ home opener against the Milwaukee Bucks at Capital One Arena on Wednesday, October 21. Washington won 128-116.
The incident came on the day she was promoted, according to Page Six. An unnamed source told the outlet she was forced to resign within 24 hours.
The State Department declined to discuss the circumstances, telling Front Office Sports that it does not comment on internal personnel matters.
Two Camera Angles Show How the Drink Exchange Unfolded
😳 Exclusive: Trump staffer Britt McHenry throws drink at fan at NBA game. https://t.co/9tgqAto4hl
— TMZ (@TMZ) October 22, 2026
The initial footage published by TMZ shows McHenry arguing with people seated behind her as an arena employee stands nearby. A second recording, published later that day, captures an earlier part of the exchange. Spectators call for her removal while she speaks with her companion and an usher.
As McHenry stands, a beverage appears to be thrown toward her from behind. She bends down, retrieves a cup and throws its contents back toward the spectators.
The initial video also shows people booing and tossing items toward McHenry as she heads through the stands. She waves and blows kisses, then is seen arguing with a security employee directing her toward an exit. Sources close to McHenry told TMZ that she left voluntarily.
In its earlier report, Page Six quoted a source who said a spectator was criticizing Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma’s play and the appearance of his fiancée, model Winnie Harlow. Kuzma previously played for Washington. McHenry asked him to ease up, the source said, and he responded with misogynistic remarks directed at her.
Andrew Fenichel Says He Tried to Help an Ejected Fan Return
Addressing TMZ and what happened at the Wizards game Wednesday night. https://t.co/hTcNEVmrvb
— Andrew Fenichel (@Andrew_Fenichel) October 23, 2026
McHenry’s companion identified himself as YouTuber Andrew Fenichel in an October 23 video posted to X. According to Men’s Journal’s account, he said they had been friends since college and were not dating. Fenichel also described hearing misogynistic comments during the disagreement.
He said he tried to vouch for a fan who had been removed from the stands, but security would not allow that person back. McHenry ultimately left, while Fenichel stayed and watched the rest of the game from another section.
“I wish I handled things differently myself,” he said, according to PFSN. He added: “I’m not here to speak for Britt or speak for her perspective.”
Her New Assignment Was in External Affairs and Press
Page Six reported that McHenry’s new responsibilities were to lead external affairs and press for Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg’s team. Her previous work involved press matters concerning Europe and Africa.
Before entering government, McHenry worked for ESPN from 2014 to 2017 and later moved into political commentary, including at Fox Nation.
She announced her appointment as a State Department press adviser in September on LinkedIn, describing it as a new chapter after 17 years working on camera. “Now, I get to take that experience and apply it to our country’s highest diplomatic agency,” she wrote.