During a live broadcast from the streets of Madrid, a Spanish television reporter found herself targeted by an individual who brazenly assaulted her, resulting in his subsequent apprehension on charges of sexual assault.
Who is Isa Balado, Spanish reporter groped live on air?
Isa Balado, a correspondent for channel Cuatro, found herself at the center of an alarming incident during a live broadcast from the bustling streets of Madrid. As she reported on a story regarding local store clerks’ intervention in a suspected theft, an individual approached her from behind, brazenly touching her buttocks. This audacious act led to the prompt arrest of the assailant on charges of sexual assault.
Maintaining her professionalism, Balado, in the midst of the live broadcast, calmly responded to the man’s inquiry about her affiliated television station. However, the discomfort was palpable as she attempted to continue her coverage. It was host Nacho Abad in the studio who astutely recognized the situation and intervened.
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Inquiring if there had been an unwanted physical contact, Abad’s concern was met with Balado’s candid acknowledgment. The incident unfolded on-screen, as the alleged perpetrator was urged to face the camera.
Directly addressing the man, Balado courageously questioned the necessity of such unwarranted physical contact. She emphasized her dedication to her live reporting and requested that he respect her professional space.
Despite initial denial, the man eventually offered a feeble apology and extended his hand in a conciliatory gesture. However, Balado, resolute in her resolve, rebuffed his attempt and urged him to allow her to continue her work unimpeded.
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As the man retreated, a further attempt to invade Balado’s personal space was made, this time with an inappropriate gesture towards her hair. The studio host aptly characterized this behavior as ‘senseless.’
Expressing her dismay at the incident, Balado’s apology was met with reassurance from Abad, who asserted that no blame lay with her. His indignation at the assailant’s actions was palpable.
Disturbingly, Balado disclosed that she wasn’t the sole target of the man’s unwanted advances. She attested that other women had also fallen victim to his intrusive behavior.
With a firm resolve to prevent further attention to the assailant, Balado requested the live broadcast be terminated.
Channel Cuatro promptly contacted the authorities, leading to the apprehension of the 25-year-old suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed. Mediaset Espana, the parent company of Cuatro, issued a resounding condemnation of any form of harassment or aggression.
This incident has ignited a nationwide outcry in Spain and garnered condemnation from government officials. It occurs amidst a broader societal reckoning on sexism, catalyzed by the alleged nonconsensual kiss on the lips of World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso by former Spanish soccer federation president Luis Rubiales, prompting his resignation.
Spain’s Labor Minister, Yolanda Diaz, emphasized the imperative of holding accountable those responsible for such assaults on journalists, attributing them to deeply entrenched machismo culture that perpetuates such acts of aggression with brazen impunity.
