Pregnant TV presenter told she is an "eyesore" who should be "stood down".

Bodily changes during pregnancy are tough enough, let alone having to go through them in the public eye.

A man who labelled pregnant TVNZ sports presenter Jenny-May Clarkson “embarrassing and an eyesore” and called for her to be replaced is standing by his comments.

The provocative letter, written by John Rook and published in The TV Guide NZ has – unsurprisingly – caused a stir.

“Who is responsible for allowing a sports reporter in a very pregnant state to remain on screen?” he asked.

“I have no problem seeing pregnant women in normal situations or places, but to have them remain on TV in a state which I feel is embarrassing and an eyesore? It’s time to replace them.”

The 69-year-old father of three told The New Zealand Herald he was simply trying to ask what the cut-off point for pregnant TV presenters being on-air was. (We’d suggest it’s when they’re in labour.)

“I just wanted to know who was responsible for leaving presenters on air and at what stage of their pregnancy? I’m old fashioned … When a woman gets to that stage of pregnancy [show] a bit of decency – stand her down,” he said.

Rook – whose definition of decency is clearly misguided – admitted he should have chosen his words better. And, presumably, fast-forwarded his attitudes towards women and childbirth by a couple of decades.

Clarkson, who is expecting twins, received a huge amount of support following the public commentary on her gestation, including from her employer.

“We’re thrilled for Jenny-May,” a TVNZ spokesperson said.

“Like a lot of Kiwi women, Jenny-May is working during her pregnancy. She’s not the first and she won’t be the last member of our news team to do so.

“Jenny-May’s a talented and professional broadcaster. It’s her choice to decide at what point she takes a break from her role and we’ll support her decision 100 per cent.”

Clarkson responded her Facebook page, thanking those who supported her.

“As a heavily pregnant woman I struggle with my own demons about my body changing shape but I choose to stay in front of the camera to encourage others to be proud of the job that we are doing – creating life,” she wrote.

“It is a major privilege to carry and create a human being and in my case two. Just like it is a privilege to enter into your living rooms each weekend.”

A classy comeback to criticism that should never have made it to print.