A Spanish journalist was harassed on live television on Tuesday, sparking outrage in a country that is still reeling from a previous sexual harassment scandal.
The Spanish reporter, Isa Balado, was sexually assaulted while doing a live interview from a street in Madrid-Image Source: (YouTube/Cuatro)
Isa Balado, a reporter for the television channel Cuatro, was covering a robbery in Madrid when a man approached her from behind and touched her body.
Balado, who was still on live television, tried to push the man away and continue her report. However, her colleague, Nacho Abad, who was speaking to her from the studio, interrupted her to ask about what was happening.
Balado, who appeared angry, insisted on putting the man on camera. The man denied touching her, saying that his hair had gotten caught in hers.
🚨🚨🚨 AGRESIÓN SEXUAL EN DIRECTO a nuestra reportera @IsaBalado: “¿De verdad me tienes que tocar el culo?”
Y tremenda reacción de @Nacho_Abad: “¡Pásame a este tío tonto!” pic.twitter.com/JOcbTLSFwI— En boca de todos (@EnBocaDe_Todos) September 12, 2023
The police said in a statement that they had arrested a man on suspicion of sexual assault against a journalist on live television.
Mediaset España, the owner of Cuatro, issued a statement supporting Balado.
The incident comes at a time when Spain is embroiled in a debate about sexual discrimination, triggered by a previous scandal involving former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales.
Rubilares was widely criticized and forced to resign after he kissed World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the women’s World Cup final last month. He is also due to appear in court on Friday over the alleged unwanted kiss.
The incident is a reminder of the ongoing problem of sexual harassment against women, even in the public eye. It also comes at a time when Spain is trying to address the issue of gender discrimination.
