Economist accidentally swallows fly during live CNN interview

Aug 9, 2026 #Bulletin, #News, #The Independent

CNN guest suffers on-air disaster but chokes his way through interview

Economist Justin Wolfers accidentally swallowed a fly during a live CNN interview while discussing the U.S. economy.
The incident occurred as Wolfers, a University of Michigan professor, was analyzing labor market data with anchor Omar Jimenez.
After a brief struggle to speak, Wolfers humorously acknowledged the mishap on air, joking that “Aussies love eating flies!”
He then used the unexpected event as a metaphor to discuss Federal Reserve monetary policy and the clarity of economic communication.
Wolfers later posted about the incident on X, confirming the fly’s demise and humorously stating he was “no longer a vegetarian.”