A journalist somehow managed to keep calm and continue reporting the news when a flying cockroach suddenly landed on her during a live broadcast.
Reporter Rachel Menitoff, who works for the Los Angeles-based station KTLA News, was delivering a nighttime news report about extreme heat causing dangerous conditions from Sherman Oaks, California, on July 15. But her segment was interrupted by a creepy critter.
In a clip shared by Menitoff on Instagram, a large cockroach lands on her neck and crawls up her body before flying away.
“Yes, this is a flying cockroach,” text over the video read.
Despite feeling the large insect, Menitoff keeps reporting and signs off. After the segment ended, the clip shows Menitoff immediately brushing off her shoulders and shaking, trying to find the insect.
A person off camera can be heard laughing and asking in disbelief, “How did you not move?”
Menitoff joked about the unbelievable moment in the caption, writing that the cockroach was “Trying to steal my thunder.”
On her Instagram story, she responded to viewers praising her professionalism. She revealed it was more challenging than it appeared, trying to ignore the bug.
After thanking one viewer who complimented her, she wrote, “Trust me, it was NOT easy to keep my cool.”
More Instagram users applauded her response in the comments beneath her post.
One said, “An actual pro cause I would’ve been screaming down the block lmao.”
Another wrote, “Give her a raise!! I would have torn my clothes off on live television.”
A third playfully suggested that maybe Menitoff should try another profession. “Hollywood hire her immediately,” the comment read. “Composure acting skills 10/10.”
KTLA also shared the clip on X with commentary from Menitoff’s co-workers.
“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!?”
“That’s terrifying, though!” KTLA anchor Eric Spillman said as he watched the footage.
Reporter Megan Henderson agreed, adding, “That’s one of those things that several hours later you’re still feeling it. You still feel like it’s on your body. Maybe even several days later.”
Anchor Kirk Hawkins chimed in and shared, “Now we’re all going to have nightmares about flying cockroaches.”
