By DONALD WITTKOWSKI
Fox 29’s “Good Day Philadelphia” TV personality Bob Kelly was assaulted while emceeing a party Sunday at the Oar House Pub in Sea Isle City.
“Yes, it’s a shame what happened yesterday. I’m just hoping that Bob recovers completely, as I know he will,” Oar House Pub owner Jimmy Bennett said Monday while confirming the incident.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Kelly was punched in the face by a man who was filming himself pouring beer on the “Good Day Philadelphia” reporter and traffic anchor during a party at the Oar House.
Kelly was assaulted when he attempted to swat away the beer, according to The Inquirer, which cited anonymous sources.
He was taken to Cape Regional Medical Center in Cape May Court House for treatment, but did not suffer any serious injuries, The Inquirer said.
The man who allegedly assaulted Kelly was taken into custody. His identity was not immediately released.
“I’m not quite sure who did it, but I’m sure that justice will prevail,” Bennett said.
Sea Isle Police Chief Anthony Garreffi declined to comment Tuesday while the investigation continues.
Kelly’s left eye was noticeably swollen during his appearance Tuesday morning on “Good Day Philadelphia.” Kelly thanked his fans for their messages of support and assured them that he is all right.
“I’m OK. I’m here. It was a frightening, disturbing event that apparently was incited by this TikTok challenge similar to what you saw happen to Cardi B with the water and being videoed,” he said.
“The cause of the assault is under investigation. I’m just going to leave it at that. But I hope this can bring some light to this craziness that is out there and put a stop to it,” he added.
Kelly was referring to an incident at a Cardi B concert on July 29 in Las Vegas, where water was tossed on her while she was on stage and she angrily threw her microphone into the audience in response.
Also during his appearance on “Good Day Philadelphia,” Kelly went on to joke a little bit about his swollen eye, saying that he probably should have “come up with a better story” about his injury.
“It’s a little puffy, it’s a little red, but it’s OK. I could come up with a better story, probably. I’m going to do the Rocky run up and down the (Philadelphia Art Museum) steps,” he said, alluding to the often-mimicked iconic scene from the original “Rocky” movie in 1976.
Kelly regularly hosts a happy hour dance party at the Oar House on Wednesdays and also emceed a “Sunday Funday” party at the bar and restaurant over the weekend.
He stepped in as host of the Wednesday night dance parties following the death in January of Philadelphia radio personality and music promoter Jerry Blavat, who had been a fixture at the Oar House for three years.
Bennett and Kelly have collaborated for fundraising events at the Oar House to benefit “Kelly’s Kidz, a nonprofit charity that supports St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia.
“Bob is a great guy. He does a great job for Kelly’s Kidz and all the work that he does is for Kelly’s Kidz,” Bennett said.
Kelly founded Kelly’s Kidz to collect toys, pajamas and donations to benefit children in pediatric hospitals. He started the nonprofit when his son, Austin, was an infant and had to be hospitalized after having an allergic reaction to baby formula.
“You know, he’s a man who’s out there always doing charity work, and for something like this to happen to him is kind of discouraging. We are hopeful that everything will turn out fine,” Bennett said.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Story has been updated to include comments from Bob Kelly.
