Interpreter accused of signing gibberish during Hurricane Irma briefing

A sign language interpreter hired for a Hurricane Irma briefing is being criticized for reportedly signing warnings about “pizza” and “monsters” rather than translating officials’ remarks.

AL.com reported late Friday that Marshall Greene, a lifeguard in Manatee County, Fla., was used as the interpreter during a county press conference as Irma approached the state.

{mosads}As officials gave their briefing, Greene reportedly signed gibberish and gave incomplete information. He signed warnings about “pizza” and “monsters” as the officials discussed Irma and possible evictions ahead of the storm.

“Help you at that time to use bear big,” Greene reportedly signed at one point, according to the publication.

The operator of a company that provides deaf interpreters to Manatee County told WPTV that it was “horribly unnerving” for her to watch the press conference.

“I knew something went horribly wrong,” VisCom’s Charlene McCarthy said. “To watch that, knowing I could provide a qualified, certified interpreter.”

Manatee County officials told WPTV they were “in a pinch” to have someone sign at the briefing, one of many that took place as Irma barreled towards Florida.

County spokesman Nick Azzara told The Bradenton Herald that Greene has a brother who is deaf, and that he was asked to sign rather than have no one sign at all.

WSVN reports that members of Florida’s deaf community are demanding an apology from the county after Greene’s signing, saying his interpreting was dangerous and endangered people’s lives.