Los Angeles KTLA 5 news reporter Rachel Menitoff went viral on Wednesday, July 15th, 2026, after a late-night live report in Sherman Oaks featured an unexpected visitor. During her coverage of an ongoing heat wave, a cockroach landed on Menitoff's stomach before crawling across her neck and chest.

Despite the insect's presence, Menitoff remained unfazed and continued her report, noting, "And it’s a lot more comfortable at this hour, but we’re still in the 80s here in the Valley," and adding, "So overnight temperatures aren’t necessarily dropping, and this leads to less recovery time from the daytime heat…"

After the bug jumped onto her microphone and flew away, Menitoff's colleagues praised her professionalism. Anchor Megan Henderson said, "That’s our Rachel Menitoff, who is so professional." Menitoff reflected on the moment, saying, "I said to myself, just get through this moment and then kind of shake it off."

The morning after the broadcast, reporters shared footage of Menitoff brushing the bug off once the live shot ended. Her calm demeanor sparked admiration, with some joking they would not have remained as composed in the same situation.

Sources