In Madrid’s Lavapiés district, a live news report unfolded with Isa Balado, an En Boca de Todos correspondent for a current affairs program. A bystander who walked past interrupted the live segment by touching her inappropriately. The journalist paused the broadcast to address the incident, while the on-set team urged him to continue with the story, sparking tension on air.
Nacho Abad, serving from the set, asked the on-air journalist if the stranger had indeed touched her, and she confirmed the assault with visible distress. The host expressed disbelief and anger, requesting a proper space to resume reporting. Personal boundaries collided with a live camera moment, creating a stark moment on screen.
Balado confronted the aggressor directly, asking whether physical touch was necessary to pose a question about the program. She explained she was conducting a live broadcast and was performing her job, while the intruder attempted to engage in the scene. The attacker offered a vague apology and attempted to shake hands, which she declined, insisting that her work should not be disrupted. The responder claimed the touch was unintentional, but Balado pressed the point, calling the behavior foolish and inappropriate on live television.
As the confrontation continued, the attacker was urged to leave her space. He did depart after Balado asserted her need to be left alone and to continue reporting. Before leaving, he touched the journalist’s hair in a manner described as paternalistic and sexist, further complicating the moment for everyone involved.
After the disruption, Abad reassured the reporter, expressing regret for what had happened and praising her composure under pressure. He reminded viewers that the journalist had maintained her professionalism while the disturbance unfolded live on air. The exchange underscored the journalist’s commitment to her work and to delivering the news to the audience despite harassment.
The incident raised questions about on-field safety and the boundaries between journalists and the public during live broadcasts. Investigators from the National Police later took up the case, and the attacker was killed during the ensuing encounter with authorities. The episode served as a stark reminder of the hazards some reporters face while performing their duties in public spaces, and it highlighted the need for clear protocols to protect journalists during live coverage. The program and its staff continued to report, aiming to keep the focus on the story while ensuring the safety of correspondents on the ground, as noted by observers in the aftermath of the event.