Emily Thornberry criticised Sky News presenter Dermot Murnaghan for "pub-quizzing" her as they discussed Brexit talks, saying it was "patronising".
The Labour MP declined to name French minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, adding: "Can we talk about some serious stuff?"
Mr Murnaghan said he had asked male politicians similar questions.
He went on to refer to the time in 2011 when he asked the then shadow chancellor Alan Johnson about national insurance rates - a question the Labour MP was unable to answer.
'Serious stuff'
