A KTLA reporter’s routine weather update turned into an unexpected viral moment when a cockroach crashed her live broadcast during a Southern California heat report.
The unexpected encounter happened Tuesday night during a weather report from Sherman Oaks, where Rachel Menitoff was discussing overnight temperatures remaining unusually warm in the region.
As she continued speaking on camera, the insect landed on her clothing, crawled across her chest and neck, and eventually moved onto her microphone before flying away.
Despite the distraction, Menitoff continued delivering the report without visibly reacting.
The KTLA journalist later explained that she was aware the cockroach had landed on her but made a decision not to acknowledge it while the camera was rolling.
She said she knew reacting in the moment could prevent her from finishing the segment and instead focused on completing the report before dealing with the situation afterward.
After the broadcast ended, footage showed Menitoff brushing herself off and checking to make sure the insect was gone.
In an interview with KTLA, she said she told herself to “just get through this moment” before shaking off the experience.
Menitoff later joked about the incident on social media, sharing the clip with the caption “Trying to steal my thunder” alongside a cockroach emoji.
She also responded to viewers who praised her composure, saying that keeping calm was not as easy as it appeared.
Menitoff said the timing of the encounter was especially fitting because her report focused on extreme heat conditions in the San Fernando Valley.
She noted that cockroaches are attracted to warm temperatures and camera lights, creating what she described as the “perfect environment” for the insect to appear during the live shot.
Warmer conditions can increase cockroach activity, with some species becoming more likely to fly during summer months, according to entomology information cited by USA Today.
The unusual broadcast quickly drew attention from viewers and journalists online, with many praising Menitoff’s ability to remain composed.
KTLA colleagues discussed the moment during a later broadcast and complimented her professionalism.
Anchor Megan Henderson said Menitoff handled the situation calmly, while meteorologist Kirk Hawkins joked that the encounter would give viewers nightmares about flying cockroaches.
Other KTLA staff members also praised her ability to continue reporting despite the unexpected interruption, according to Fox News.
Witnessing the incident after the fact, KTLA colleagues said they were surprised by how little movement Menitoff showed while the cockroach crawled across her.
The station later shared additional footage showing the moments after the report ended, when Menitoff finally reacted and attempted to remove the insect.
The video spread widely across social media as users applauded her professionalism and joked about how they would have reacted in the same situation.
The viral clip also sparked reactions beyond the newsroom.
Some commentators used the viral clip to criticize conditions in parts of Los Angeles, while others focused on Menitoff’s composure.
Former Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt commented on the incident online and connected it to criticism of city conditions.
Menitoff’s unusual live report ultimately turned a routine weather update into an internet sensation, with viewers highlighting her ability to maintain a professional broadcast despite an unexpected interruption.
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