Despite the passage of a decidedly unwanted guest, she did not allow herself to be distracted and completed the live service without any mistakes. A professionalism which, according to social media users, should be rewarded with a promotion. Rachel Menitoff, correspondent for the Ktla broadcaster, has become the protagonist of a viral video in which she continues the connection impassively while a large cockroach walks over her.
The unwanted guest
The reporter, during the news on Tuesday 14 July, was broadcasting in real time from Sherman Oaks, California (United States), describing the effects of the heat wave that hit the area. Just at that moment the large insect appeared on the scene and began walking on her, between her chest and neck. Menitoff continued undeterred by talking about day and night temperatures, until the cockroach decided to jump on the microphone and fly away.
Once the live broadcast ended, the journalist indulged in the reaction we all would have had: “Oh my God, I feel something.” The following day, colleagues from the Ktla 5 morning news broadcast the footage again, praising the behavior and composure that the woman was able to maintain. “I have to admit,” journalist Eric Spillman said, “she remained really calm.” “This is our Rachel Menitoff, she’s a true professional,” added host Megan Henderson. “He kept calm. I would never have been able to continue.”
“I knew it was there”
After the broadcast there was also a comment from the person concerned, who said that she immediately noticed the insect, but that she made a conscious decision to stay focused until the end of the report: “I knew that if I gave in to panic, I wouldn’t be able to continue with the reportage. So I said to myself: get over this moment and then shake it off.” The images went viral on social networks, so much so that they even entered the local political debate. Former mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt shared the clip on
Beyond the political skirmishes, most users highlighted the exemplary behavior of Rachel Menitoff, defined as “heroic” by many for having remained calm in front of the cameras despite the annoying six-legged “disturber”.