Cockroach Interrupts KTLA Reporter’s Broadcast

Los Angeles KTLA 5 news reporter Rachel Menitoff gained attention on Wednesday due to an unexpected encounter during a late-night broadcast. While reporting live from Sherman Oaks on a heat wave, a cockroach made an appearance on her body.

During her live report, Menitoff noted the Valley’s late-night temperatures and the minimal drop from daytime heat. As she spoke, the cockroach landed on her stomach and then crawled across her neck and chest. Despite the disturbance, Menitoff continued without flinching, even as the bug landed on her microphone and flew away.

“It’s a lot more comfortable at this hour, but we’re still in the 80s here in the Valley,” Menitoff said. “So overnight temperatures aren’t necessarily dropping, and this leads to less recovery time from the daytime heat…”

Her colleagues later broadcast footage of Menitoff’s reaction once the live segment was over, where she brushed off the pest. Her on-air composure received praise from morning anchors, with remarks about their likely reactions if in a similar situation.

Megan Henderson, a news anchor, commented on Menitoff’s professionalism and calm demeanor, while reporter Eric Spillman echoed these sentiments. Meteorologist Kirk Hawkins added a bit of humor by suggesting the incident could lead to nightmares about flying cockroaches.

“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.”

In an interview with KTLA, Menitoff recalled knowing the cockroach was there but chose to continue rather than disrupt her report. She explained the heat in the Valley makes an ideal environment for cockroaches, attracted by warm temperatures and camera lights.

“I said to myself, just get through this moment and then kind of shake it off,” Menitoff said.

Journalists on social media praised Menitoff’s presence of mind but also took the chance to critique the city’s cleanliness. Jeff Vaughn from “The Daily News Drop” admitted he would have reacted differently if in Menitoff’s position.

Conservative commentator Steve Guest pointed out Los Angeles’ pest issues, while Jerod MacDonald-Evoy shared that his reaction would have been anything but professional.

“Had this happened to me, I would have freaked out,” The Daily News Drop anchor Jeff Vaughn wrote.

Former Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt criticized the condition of Los Angeles streets, expressing frustration over the conditions in the district.

Rachel Menitoff’s ability to remain composed in such a situation drew attention not only for her poise but also raised broader concerns regarding city conditions.