A viral video of a TV reporter maintaining her composure during a live broadcast after a huge flying cockroach landed on her has amazed viewers. Rachel Menitoff, a reporter for Los Angeles station KTLA News, was covering dangerous conditions caused by extreme heat from Sherman Oaks, California, on Wednesday during an evening live shot. Her report took an unexpected turn when a giant insect interrupted the segment.
The Unflappable Reporter
Menitoff later posted a video on Instagram of the broadcast that shows a large cockroach landing on her neck before crawling across her body, making its way on to her microphone, and eventually flying off. “Yes, this is a flying cockroach,” text over the video read. Although she could clearly feel the insect, Menitoff continued delivering her report and completed the segment without stopping or indicating to viewers that she was bothered.
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Once the broadcast ended, the video shows her quickly brushing off her shoulders and shaking as she searched for the bug. Someone off camera laughs and asks, “How did you not move?” Menitoff later poked fun at the incident in the Instagram caption, saying the cockroach was “Trying to steal my thunder.”
Social Media Reactions
KTLA also posted the clip on X, where Menitoff’s colleagues commented on what happened. “SURPRISE LANDING,” the local channel captioned the post. “An insect crashed @KTLA reporter @RachelMenitoff’s live shot last night, and we must praise her professionalism. Who else could remain this cool!?”
After watching the video, KTLA anchor Eric Spillman remarked, “That’s terrifying, though!” “How she didn’t freak out despite being in camera is beyond me,” wrote one viewer in response to the post on X. “The way I would scream and cuss and yell and throw up and start a fire and run away hysterically crying … Kudos to this woman,” wrote another viewer. A fellow reporter at Axios simply said: “Give this woman a promotion.”
Comparing Live TV Animal Interruptions
| Incident | Reporter | Animal | Reaction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cockroach on live TV (2025) | Rachel Menitoff (KTLA) | Flying cockroach | Remained calm, finished report |
| Cat steals show (2023) | Various | Cat | Smiled and continued |
| Dog interrupts weather (2022) | Local meteorologist | Dog | Laughed and petted dog |
Key Takeaways from the Viral Moment
- Professionalism under pressure: Menitoff’s ability to stay focused during a live broadcast is widely praised.
- Viral social media impact: The clip garnered thousands of reactions and comments on platforms like X and Instagram.
- Animal interruptions are common: From cats to dogs, live TV often features unexpected guests.
FAQ
What happened during the live broadcast?
A flying cockroach landed on reporter Rachel Menitoff’s neck during a live KTLA broadcast about extreme heat in Sherman Oaks, California. She calmly continued her report until the segment ended.
How did viewers react?
Viewers praised Menitoff’s composure, with many saying they would have screamed or panicked. The video went viral on social media, with thousands of comments admiring her professionalism.
Is this a common occurrence in live TV?
Yes, animals and insects have interrupted live broadcasts many times. From cats to dogs to bugs, these moments often become viral sensations due to the unpredictability of live television.
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