Los Angeles KTLA 5 news reporter Rachel Menitoff became an online sensation after handling an unexpected pest during a live broadcast. As she reported from Sherman Oaks on a heat wave Tuesday night, a cockroach landed on her stomach and crawled across her neck and chest.
Despite the temperature-related discomfort, with temperatures remaining in the 80s, Menitoff continued her report unfazed. The insect even jumped onto her microphone before flying away. Her composed demeanor was captured in a video later shared by her colleagues, who admired her professionalism.
“That’s our Rachel Menitoff, who is so professional,” anchor Megan Henderson said. “She kept her cool. There’s no way I would have been able to keep going.”
Menitoff later described in a KTLA interview that she was aware of the cockroach’s presence during the report. She decided to push through the moment rather than disrupt her broadcast.
I said to myself, just get through this moment and then kind of shake it off,
Menitoff explained. She noted the irony that the report focused on the Valley’s extreme heat, which attracted cockroaches to the area.
The video received a mixed reception online. Many praised Menitoff’s calmness, while others criticized Los Angeles’ conditions. Jeff Vaughn of “The Daily News Drop” mentioned he would not have reacted as calmly. Conservative commentator Steve Guest commented on Los Angeles’ cleanliness issues. Former Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt shared a similar sentiment, linking it to the leadership in parts of Los Angeles.
“Good Morning America” co-anchor Gio Benitez humorously remarked that Menitoff would excel on “Fear Factor.” Throughout the incident, Menitoff demonstrated unwavering professionalism amidst an unexpected challenge.
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