A KTLA 5 reporter is going viral after a cockroach crawled up her neck during a live television broadcast—and she barely missed a beat.
Reporter Rachel Menitoff was delivering a live report from Sherman Oaks on an extreme heat alert when the insect landed on her neck. Although she appeared startled, Menitoff continued reporting without stopping.
According to the Daily Mail, the bug later crawled onto her microphone before eventually flying away.
Behind-the-Scenes Video Captures Her Reaction
After the live shot wrapped, KTLA shared a behind-the-scenes clip showing Menitoff brushing off her skin and shaking herself as she reacted to the unexpected encounter.
The moment quickly spread across social media, where many viewers praised the reporter for remaining composed despite the insect crawling on her during the broadcast.
Fellow Reporters Praise Her Professionalism
Menitoff’s colleagues also applauded her ability to stay focused under pressure.
“I have to hand it to her, she was really calm,” KTLA reporter Eric Spillman said.
Other members of the newsroom admitted they likely would not have handled the situation nearly as well.
While the heat was supposed to be the story of the day, it was an unexpected cockroach that ultimately stole the spotlight—and the internet’s attention.