Reporting live on air is no easy feat. Not only do you have to be prepared for unexpected things to happen, but you’re also required to keep your most calm composure if the worst should ensue.

Imagine then trying to tell the world through their TV screens that babies and young children are forcibly being separated from their parents under Trump’s immigration policy with an emotionless expression.

As MSNBC host Rachel Maddow has proven, it’s impossible to do so.

This week while live on air, the experienced and well-respected journalist and host visibly broke down while delivering the news.

“This has just come out from the Associated Press,” Maddow said, while becoming very emotional. “This is incredible. Trump administration officials have been sending babies and other young children [pauses] to at least three tender age shelters in south Texas.”

“I think I’m going to have to hand this off. Sorry, that does it for us tonight. We’ll see you again tomorrow,” she said, placing her hand over her mouth. “Now, it’s time for The Last Word With Lawrence O’Donnell where he is live in Brownsville, Texas.”

According to AP, officials have been sending children to at least three age-specific shelters as part of the Justice Department’s new ‘zero tolerance’ policy. A fourth is planned in Houston. However, according to the Guardian, Trump has now signed an executive order to end the separation of families.

But after what happened, Maddow took to Twitter to apologise to viewers.

“Ugh, I’m sorry,” she wrote, while linking to the story she tried to read on air. “If nothing else, it is my job to actually be able to speak while I’m on TV. What I was trying to do – when I suddenly couldn’t say/do anything – was read this lede.”

But Maddow shouldn’t apologise for reacting to a story. Especially one that is not only an abuse of human rights but a form of kidnapping, which is why people on social media have applauded her tears. 

“Rachel Maddow, so much respect for you. Hearts breaking here right along with yours,” one person tweeted. 

“If you get Rachel Maddow to tear up, you doing something wrong,” another person wrote. 

Another person posted: “Tonight we are all Rachel.”

And celebrities have backed her up, too. 

“#RachelMaddow Everyone is feeling this. Because it is UNSPEAKABLE. These are literally crimes against humanity. Emotionally and psychologically barbaric,” actress Thandie Newton posted. 

“John and I have watched this show for a long, long time now. DVR’ed every night. And I’ve never ever seen her cry. “Summer camp”. “Womp womp”. FUCK these heartless people,” Chrissy Teigen wrote, referencing the people who’ve criticised her tears. 

Let’s all be a little kinder, a little more sensitive to people who show some raw emotion in the workplace. We’re only human after all.

Images: Getty