Cockroach Climbs on TV Reporter During Live Broadcast (Video)

A Los Angeles TV reporter is being praised for keeping her cool after an absolutely massive flying cockroach landed on her during a live broadcast.

KTLA reporter Rachel Menitoff was in the middle of a live shot Tuesday night when the creepy crawly intruder suddenly appeared on her chest. The insect could be seen making its way across her shirt and toward her neck as Menitoff continued reporting as if nothing unusual was happening.

For viewers at home, it was the kind of skin-crawling moment that would have sent plenty of people running. But Menitoff somehow managed to stay composed, appearing to ignore the bug while continuing with the broadcast.

That calm did not last forever.

After her colleagues back at the anchor desk finally let her know what was happening, Menitoff broke down and reacted to the disgusting surprise. The moment quickly made the rounds online, with viewers stunned that she had managed to keep it together for as long as she did.

“An insect crashed @KTLA reporter @RachelMenitoff’s live shot last night, and we must praise her professionalism,” KTLA wrote on X while sharing the clip. “Who else could remain this cool!?”

The answer, according to many people online, was not many.

“I’ve seen my wife jump six feet at the very sight of a bug especially big ones like that. Yeah she did a great job,” one commenter wrote.

“I would have completely freaked out. Next time.. just forget the live television audience watching..they’ll all understand,” another viewer added.

A third commenter joked that Menitoff had earned more than just praise for the uncomfortable on-air moment, writing, “She deserves her Christmas bonus!”

The buggy broadcast left viewers equal parts horrified and impressed, turning what was supposed to be a routine live report into one of the most unforgettable TV moments of the week.