KTLA Reporter Praised for Staying Calm as Cockroach Crawls on Her During Live Broadcast

KTLA reporter Rachel Menitoff has earned widespread praise after maintaining her composure when a large cockroach crawled across her body during a live television report in Southern California.

The unexpected moment occurred on Tuesday, July 14, while Menitoff was reporting on the region’s ongoing heat wave.

Cockroach Crawls Across Reporter During Live TV

As Menitoff delivered her report, viewers noticed a cockroach crawling up her shirt from around her waist before making its way across her chest and onto the exposed skin of her neck.

Despite the insect moving across her clothing and skin, the reporter continued speaking without interrupting the live broadcast.

Moments later, the cockroach climbed onto her microphone before flying away.

KTLA later shared the clip on social media with the caption:

“SURPRISE LANDING. An insect crashed Rachel Menitoff’s live shot last night, and we must praise her professionalism. Who else could remain this cool?”

Reporter Waited Until Broadcast Ended

After completing her report, Menitoff immediately brushed off her arms and shook her clothing to make sure the insect was no longer on her.

The moment quickly attracted attention online, with viewers praising her ability to remain focused despite the unexpected distraction.

KTLA Anchors Praise Menitoff’s Professionalism

Back in the studio, KTLA anchors applauded Menitoff for continuing the report without panic.

One anchor said:

“That’s our Rachel Menitoff who is so professional. She kept her cool. There’s no way I would’ve been able to keep my cool on this.”

Another presenter admitted they were relieved when the cockroach moved away from the reporter.

“At the end, I’m so relieved that it jumped onto the microphone because it looked like it was going to crawl into her clothing,” the anchor said.

Social Media Applauds Her Composure

The clip quickly spread across social media, with many viewers saying they would not have been able to react as calmly.

One user commented:

“I would’ve completely freaked out. Forget the live audience—everyone would understand.”

Another joked:

“I’ve seen my wife jump six feet at the sight of a bug. She did an amazing job.”

Many praised Menitoff’s professionalism, describing her reaction as an example of staying focused under pressure.

Rachel Menitoff Explains How She Stayed Calm

Speaking after the broadcast, Menitoff revealed she was aware the insect was crawling on her during the live report.

However, she made a conscious decision to ignore it until the segment ended.

“I knew if I took notice of it, I wouldn’t be able to continue with the report,” she explained.

“So I told myself, just get through this moment and then shake it off.”

Her calm response has since been widely celebrated by viewers and fellow journalists, turning an unexpected on-air encounter into one of the week’s most talked-about television moments.