13-9-2023 (MADRID) Spanish journalist Isa Balado was subjected to a disturbing incident of sexual harassment during a live broadcast when an assailant approached her from behind and groped her buttocks in front of the camera. The perpetrator continued to harass and closely follow Balado, prompting the studio anchor and television personnel to immediately alert the authorities, leading to the arrest of the offender.
According to the UK’s Daily Mail, the incident occurred while Balado was conducting a remote live connection with studio anchor Nacho Abad, reporting on a social event at a store in Madrid. As Balado was in the midst of the live broadcast, the camera captured a man approaching her from behind and directly groping her, followed by his persistent presence around her.
???????????? 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 tÃo tonto!” pic.twitter.com/JOcbTLSFwI— En boca de todos (@EnBocaDe_Todos) September 12, 2023
Balado was initially startled by the incident but composed herself, engaging in a negotiation with the assailant, urging him to leave. The man repeatedly claimed, “I will respect you, I won’t harm you.” Balado responded firmly, “I am working, please let me do my job.” Eventually, the man reluctantly moved away, even intentionally pulling Balado’s hair. These distressing moments were broadcasted in their entirety through the live camera feed, witnessed by studio anchor Nacho Abad, who questioned, “Is this guy an idiot?” Abad immediately comforted Balado, acknowledging her discomfort and condemning the repulsive situation.
Later, Balado interviewed a woman on the street who stated that incidents like the one Balado experienced were almost “a daily occurrence” in that particular area. Balado, adopting a resolute tone, emphasized that almost every girl encounters such instances of sexual harassment, especially in their workplaces, describing it as “truly repulsive.”
However, before Balado could conclude the live connection, Abad noticed that the same “assailant” had reappeared and urgently warned Balado, “Turn around quickly, he’s coming towards you again, he’s behind you!” Remarkably, the persistent harasser continued to closely follow Balado. Subsequently, Abad and the television staff promptly contacted the authorities, leading to the arrest of the perpetrator.
