The attack occurred as Haynes was being shown one of the most expensive seafood pieces available at the market in Glebe. According to multiple reports, she playfully kissed the crab on its head at the request of co-host Michael Atkinson before it grabbed her finger and would not let go. Mike from Sydney Fish Market explained the method used to prise the crab off Haynes' finger, though the exact technique remains unknown.
Haynes later posted on Instagram, writing that she thanked the Sydney Fish Market and The Today Show crew for their response during the incident. Her finger was not broken but was very bruised and swollen, according to multiple reports. The fish market commented on her post, joking they hoped to see her back next year but maybe with a prawn instead.
It's got my finger!
Some YouTube commenters feared for the crab's welfare, suggesting it might have been defending itself. ' According to Metro - Main, Taylor Haynes described the pain as 'real' and noted she had no movement in her finger. The specific medical treatment she received, the exact species or size of the crab, and whether it was harmed or released after the incident are unknown.
Guys we'll go back to you. He's got my finger!
Look, it wasn't on my bingo card for 2026, at the start it was funny [...] but the crab got my finger and it was not letting go was it?
I would be going to hospital after this.
The pain was 'real'.
I've got no movement, but yeah – it's awful.
Firstly, just want to say a huge thank you to @sydneyfishmarket + @thetodayshow crew on how they responded to the incident this morning, absolute pros. The way they jumped into action right away & somehow kept me calm whilst the crab was munching its life away on my finger 😂.
Taking that as a win.
Crab: 1 | Tay: 0 🦀🫠.