Rory Stewart has described how his family reacted after a moment during a BBC Newsnight appearance became viral online. He spun in his chair and stared at fellow panellist Ailbhe Rea, prompting widespread attention and speculation about his behaviour.

The incident took place on 18 September, with presenter Matt Chorley suggesting Stewart was probably listening intently and that ordinary behaviour can appear unusual on television. Stewart later said his family advised him to disable social media on his phone following the reaction.