Outrage in Spain as video shows man allegedly sexually harassing reporter on live television

Spanish police have apprehended a man suspected of sexually assaulting a journalist while she was reporting live on TV. The incident occurred when Isa Balado was covering a robbery in Madrid. The man approached her and allegedly touched her bottom, which he denied when confronted by Balado. The television host, Nacho Abad, interrupted the report to inquire about the incident, to which Balado confirmed the assault. The camera then captured both Balado and the man, who was still standing beside her, smiling and laughing. Balado expressed her displeasure, telling the man that she was working and did not appreciate the unwanted physical contact. As he walked away, he attempted to tickle her head. Later, police announced the arrest of a man accused of assaulting a reporter during a live television broadcast. Mediaset Espana, the owner of the news channel, issued a statement condemning the incident and offering its support to Balado. Spain's Labour Minister, Yolanda Díaz, also condemned the assault, stating that such behavior must not go unpunished. She attributed incidents like these to machismo culture and criticized aggressors for their lack of remorse in front of the camera. This incident occurred amidst a broader conversation about sexism in Spain, prompted by the former Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales kissing World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the Women's World Cup final. Rubiales faced significant backlash, leading to his resignation and a court summons for sexual assault and coercion allegations.