Spanish reporter groped on live TV confronts man and has him arrested

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

Published Sep 14, 2023 at 01:12 PM

Reading time: 2 minutes

49272

A Spanish TV journalist found herself subjected to a disturbing on-air assault during a live broadcast, sparking a wave of public outrage and condemnation from the Spanish government.

On Tuesday 12 September 2023, Isa Balado was conducting a report on a robbery in Madrid when an unidentified man approached her from behind and appeared to make inappropriate physical contact. The incident unfolded before the viewers’ eyes as the live broadcast continued.

The man, later apprehended by the police, can be seen denying any inappropriate actions when confronted by Balado immediately afterwards.

For context, in the footage aired by broadcaster Cuatro, where Balado is employed, a man wearing white shorts and sunglasses can be observed approaching the journalist and seemingly touching her backside before asking a question. He remained to the side of her as Balado attempted to resume her report, but her colleague, host Nacho Abad, intervened, inquiring about the incident.

“Isa, forgive me for interrupting you… but did he just touch your bottom?” Abad asked. Balado confirmed, prompting Abad to then instruct the cameraperson to focus on the individual who can then be seen laughing.

Balado expressed her displeasure at the man’s behaviour, stating: “As much as you want to ask what channel we are from, do you really have to touch my bottom? I’m doing a live show and I’m working.” The man vehemently denied any wrongdoing, even going as far as to touch her head before walking away.

After video footage of the incident began circulating on social media platforms, individuals from all corners of Spain started sharing their opinions. A significant number of them used the hashtag #SeAcabó, which translates to “it’s over.” This hashtag has gained prominence in Spain, serving as a symbol of the ongoing discussions and repercussions stemming from the recent controversy regarding Luis Rubiales’ unwelcome kiss during last month’s Women’s World Cup medal ceremony.

Conversations regarding consent and gender-based violence in Spain are definitely at an all-time high.

@maryruiz_es

El gesto del final refleja la impunidad que muchos creen que tienen🤮 Mucho ánimo para la periodista que ha tenido que vivirlo en directo. #nachoabad #cuatro #television #seacabo#greenscreenvideo

♬ sonido original - Queen Mary

After apologising for the disruption to her live report, Abad assured Balado there was no need for an apology, expressing his own anger at the situation.

Shortly after the journalist addressed the situation, she revealed that the man remained present on the street. Expressing her concern, she remarked:  “It’s not just me; he’s behaving this way toward every woman he encounters.”

Spain’s national police later announced the arrest of a man for “sexually assaulting a reporter while she was doing a live television show” and shared a brief video clip of the arrest.

Mediaset Espana, the parent company of the broadcaster, released a statement in support of Isa Balado, condemning the “absolutely intolerable situation” she experienced during her live report.

Yolanda Díaz, who currently serves as the acting labour minister and second deputy prime minister, also emphasised the need for the perpetrator to face legal consequences stating: “Machismo is what leads to journalists having to suffer sexual assaults like this and leaves aggressors unrepentant in front of the camera.”

Keep On Reading

By Bianca Borissova

#NotAllMen play a part in it but #AllWomen are affected. Here’s why all men need to get involved

By Monica Athnasious

A breakdown of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics scandals from racism to sexual assault

By Sofia Gallarate

Chayn, the survivor-led platform that empowers women in abusive relationships

By Abby Amoakuh

Is Telegram the biggest threat to women’s safety? Chats for rape advice and sharing nudes suggest so

By Malavika Pradeep

What is a Labubu? Unboxing the monster plushie capturing hearts, wallets and belt loops

By Abby Amoakuh

Love Is Blind forced to classify contestants as employees entitled to minimum wage and overtime pay

By Ilia Sdralli

Why people hate Taylor Swift’s fashion sense (and why they’re wrong)

By Abby Amoakuh

Did The Summer I Turned Pretty star Gavin Casalegno cheat on his ex-girlfriend Larsen Thompson?

By Abby Amoakuh

One Day actor Leo Woodall speaks about feeling objectified ahead of new Bridget Jones movie

By Charlie Sawyer

Jenna Ortega’s 2025 film Death of a Unicorn: plot, cast, and everything we know so far

By SCREENSHOT

Is Drake gay? Let’s unpack all of the online evidence

By J'Nae Phillips

The gyaru revival: Why Gen Z are embracing Japan’s most rebellious aesthetic

By Abby Amoakuh

Deepfakes of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Terry Crews, and Tom Hanks promoting erectile dysfunction drug go viral

By J'Nae Phillips

How Beyoncé, TikTok, and Bella Hadid gave the horse girl aesthetic a major glow-up

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

From immigration to gender identity, Trump’s orders threaten an exclusionary future for the US

By Abby Amoakuh

Woman gets fired after getting pregnant again while on maternity leave

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

Beyoncé dragged into Jay-Z and P Diddy assault allegations debate as controversy heats up online

By Charlie Sawyer

How a viral Etsy review sparked a feminist movement on TikTok by inspiring women to embrace the bush

By Abby Amoakuh

I got on the exclusive dating app Raya and discovered that it’s less about love and more about networking

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

Are Aimee Lou Wood and Walton Goggins feuding? Fans freak out after The White Lotus co-stars unfollow each other