Isa Balado, a TV journalist working for the Spanish television channel Cuatro, was reporting live on a robbery in central Madrid when the incident occurred: a man approached her from behind and clearly hit her on the back Po before interrupting Balado and asked which station she works for.
The journalist reacts very professionally, gently pushes the man aside and explains to him that she is currently broadcasting live. She then continues her report.
🚨🚨🚨 AGRESIÓN SEXUAL AND DIRECTO a nuestra reportera @Isabalado: “¿De verdad me ties que tocar el culo?”
A great response the @Nacho_Abad: “¡Pásame a este tío tonto!” pic.twitter.com/JOcbTLSFwI— En boca de todos (@EnBocaDe_Todos) September 12, 2023
After a few seconds, the moderator in the studio interrupts her: “Isa, excuse me if I interrupt you. But did he just touch you from behind?”, moderator Nacho Abad asks his colleague. Balado hesitantly says yes. Moderator Abad then reacts angrily and asks the reporter to confront the man: “That makes me angry, drag this idiot for the camera.”
Balado feels visibly uncomfortable with the situation, but then she speaks to the man still standing next to her:
The man then denies that he touched her buttocks. When Balado breaks off the call, the man touches her again, this time in the hair, before leaving the scene.
The incident is now causing a wave of outrage in the country. This is how several ministers responded, the Guardian reports. Irene Montero, Spain’s Minister of Equal Opportunities, wrote further: Non-consensual touching is sexual violence and we have had enough of it going unpunished.” Labor Minister Yolanda Diaz made similar comments. “The machismo in the country ensures that female TV reporters are sexually harassed in front of the cameras.”
Lo que hasta ahora era “normal” ya no lo es. #ZeAcabo It is the audacity of the new country to guarantee the freedom of sexual freedom of all mujeres. There is no sexual violence and decimos are impunity. Todo mi apoyo a @Isabalado. Solo is like that
— Irene Montero (@IreneMontero) September 12, 2023
Madrid police said on Tuesday they arrested a 25-year-old man on suspicion of sexual assault shortly after the incident. The TV channel Balado works for informed officials immediately after the incident.
The incident sparks major debate on social media about the problem of everyday sexism in Spain. The debate has become particularly heated after the incidents surrounding Football Association President Luis Rubiales, who unsolicited kissed a player on the mouth after the World Cup victory. (ed.)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
