Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said Friday that criticism of a photo in which the face mask was partially lowered is “somewhat naughty.”
In an interview on “America’s Newsroom,” Fauci told host John Roberts that he had been sitting next to his wife, Dr. Christine Grady, and a very close friend.
DR. ON THE OPENING DAY OF FAUCI THE FIRST HOLDER DISCONNECTS
“I had the mask around my chin. I had taken it off. I was totally dehydrated and was drinking water trying to rehydrate me,” she explained. “And by the way, I had a negative COVID literally the day before.”
Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Dr. Anthony Fauci, center, walks down empty bleachers after throwing the first ceremonial pitch in National Park before the New York Yankees and Washington Nationals play an opening game baseball, Thursday, July. 23, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo / Andrew Harnik)
“So, I guess people want it to be a big event. I wear a mask all the time when I’m out. To take it down to take a few sips of water and put it back on, I guess if people want to do something about it they can “, said. “But to me, I think that’s naughty, John.”
Critics turned to Twitter to attack Fauci over the photo.
New York magazine and Huffington Post contributing writer Yashar Ali chided the doctor.
“Dr. Fauci should be setting a better example,” he tweeted. Ali has more than 662,000 followers on the social media platform.
The photo was taken by Alex Brandon of The Associated Press at Nationals Park. The infectious disease specialist and “super fan” of the Washington Nationals released the first pitch in Thursday night’s game, making waves on social media with a wandering pitch.
“Well, in addition to the fact that I bounced it, it was an amazing feeling to be out there … Throwing that pitch was a great feeling,” he said.
It was the opening day of the Major League Baseball in a season interrupted by pandemic restrictions.
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According to the New York Post, the 79-year-old Brooklyn-born man had previously admitted to first baseman Ryan Zimmerman that he was “pretty nervous” about pitching.
It was also a typical hot and humid day in Washington, DC with highs in the 1990s.
