Crowd gasps as 2HD radio boss Guy Ashford ‘GROPES’ presenter Cheralyn Darcey on stage as she accepts an award

A male regional radio executive has been stood down after groping a female employee in front of a live audience at the Australian Audio Awards.

Guy Ashford, the boss of Newcastle radio station 2HD, was on stage at Carriageworks in Sydney on Thursday night when he hugged award winner Cheralyn Darcey, then grabbed her on the backside with his left hand.

He then threw his arms into the air as the crowd gasped.

Ms Darcey, who works for Ashford as a radio host, received her award for best newcomer.

‘All right…’ one of the award night hosts said after Ms Darcey was groped.

‘That radio spirit is still alive and well,’ another added.

Several attendees unleashed about the incident.

‘What a grub,’ one told Mediaweek. ‘I feel so sorry for Cheralyn.’

2HD boss Guy Ashford is pictured grabbing award winner Cheralyn Darcey on the backside during an on-stage embrace at the Australian Audio Awards

2HD is owned by Super Radio Network, which also owns Sydney station 2SM.

Super Radio Network managing director Graham Mott said he had apologised to Ms Darcey and her husband, and that Mr Ashford had been suspended from his role.

‘We will be having further discussions regarding the matter,’ Mr Mott told Mediaweek.

Ms Darcey was recognised at the awards for her work on The Nightline on 2HD, a program broadcast from Newcastle between 8pm and midnight and syndicated to multiple stations, including 2SM in Sydney.

She shared a video on social media of herself receiving the award, but did not include the moment she was groped by Ashford.

‘These are the moments that mattered,’ she said, before describing how it was an honour to receive the award.

‘I’m still a little stunned to have been awarded Best Newcomer On-Air Medium Market.

 ‘One of the highlights was catching up with so many talented people I’ve worked with, admired, and learned from throughout my radio journey, while also meeting some wonderful new friends along the way.

Cheralyn Darcey (pictured) was being recognised by the industry for her hosting work when she was groped by her boss

Ashford has been stood down by 2HD owner Super Radio Network over the incident

‘Most importantly, thank you to everyone who chooses to spend part of their day or night listening to Australian radio.

‘And a very special thank you to the Nightliners across Australia who tune in, call, email, share their stories, and make The Nightline what it is.’

Sherele Moody, a woman’s rights activist, said the incident was ‘peak male entitlement’ caught on camera.

‘Imagine feeling so invincible that you just race onto a stage and assault your colleague in front of hundreds of people,’ she said.