KTLA reporter Rachel Menitoff continued a live television broadcast after a large cockroach landed on her during a report on Tuesday [1].
The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of live field and studio reporting, where professionals must maintain composure despite sudden environmental disruptions.
The event occurred July 14, 2026 [1] at the KTLA5 studio in Southern California. Menitoff was delivering a segment regarding a regional heat wave when the insect flew onto the set [5, 6]. The cockroach landed on the reporter and crawled across her skin during the live feed [2, 4].
Menitoff did not stop the broadcast or break character as the insect moved. "I knew it was on me," Menitoff said [7].
Reports on the exact location of the insect vary. A KTLA spokesperson said Menitoff kept her composure and finished the report despite the bug crawling across her chest [8]. Other reports said the insect crawled up her bare neck [3].
The video of the encounter was shared July 15, 2026 [2]. The Guardian said the event was a giant cockroach making an unexpected cameo during the live broadcast [9].
Station officials and viewers noted the reporter's ability to power through the segment without interruption. The cockroach's intrusion was an unexpected event that occurred while the cameras were rolling in the Southern California studio [1, 4].
“"I knew it was on me."”
This incident serves as a textbook example of professional composure in live broadcasting. In an industry where unscripted moments can lead to viral content, the ability to prioritize the delivery of information over personal discomfort ensures the continuity of news dissemination.
