An unexpected event that occurred during a live broadcast in the USA stunned both those in the studio and the audience on the screen. KTLA television reporter Rachel Menitoff, working in Los Angeles, had a difficult time when a giant cockroach crawled onto her neck and chest while she was reporting. Despite this, the young journalist's ability to keep his cool without interrupting his news was greatly appreciated on social media.
The incident took place in Los Angeles, USA. While Rachel Menitoff was broadcasting live about the extreme heat wave that continues to affect the region, an unexpected guest appeared.
In the images captured on camera, a giant cockroach was seen first crawling around the reporter's chest, then climbing towards his neck and finally landing on his microphone.
Although it was noticed that Menitoff's eyes widened for a moment as he felt the insect moving, the experienced reporter continued his news as if nothing had happened.
As soon as the live broadcast ended, Rachel Menitoff couldn't hold herself back any longer. Putting down his microphone, the reporter hurriedly tried to remove the cockroach on him and said, "Oh my God... I feel something on me." He expressed his surprise with his words.
In the images recorded behind the scenes, Menitoff was seen trying to quickly clean his skin and shake the insect away by shaking his microphone.
Speaking to KTLA after the live broadcast, Rachel Menitoff said that she noticed that the insect had landed on her, but she ignored it so that she could complete the news.
The young reporter used the following statements in his statement:
"I knew he was on me. But I also knew that if I reacted to him, I wouldn't be able to complete the report."
"I said to myself, 'Finish this broadcast first and then you can handle it.'"
Menitoff also stated that the incident was an interesting coincidence and reminded that the news he prepared was about extreme temperatures.
"Due to extreme temperatures, cockroaches are attracted to warm environments and camera lights. In fact, the environment we were in was the perfect place for them." he said.
Rachel Menitoff's professional attitude under pressure also received full marks from her colleagues.
Host Megan Henderson said: "That's our Rachel Menitoff. She's truly a professional. I wouldn't be able to continue the broadcast." he praised his colleague.
Meteorologist Kirk Hawkins expressed his surprise with the following words:
"That was really scary. Now we're all going to have nightmares about flying cockroaches."
KTLA reporter Jessica Holmes also praised Menitoff's composure and said, "He is a true professional." he said.
Extreme Heat Increased Cockroaches
The television channel also shared behind-the-scenes footage of the live broadcast with the audience. The footage showed the moments when Menitoff tried to remove the insect from himself immediately after the broadcast.
It was also discussed in the program that the recent extreme heat wave in California caused an increase in the number of various insect species, especially cockroaches.
The images, which were viewed millions of times on social media, were considered by many users as an example of "true professionalism", as Rachel Menitoff managed to focus on her task even under difficult conditions.