Spain: Journalist Ángela Julve Sexually Harassed While Reporting Live on a Sexual Assault Case
Second sexual assault against a woman journalist broadcasted on live TV in less than 3 months
Location: Spain, Benidorm
Date: October 5, 2023
Two men sexually harassed reporter Ángela Julve from Informativos Telecinco while she was reporting live on an alleged case of rape in Benidorm, Alicante. The Coalition For Women In Journalism is worryingly documenting an increase in physical and sexual assault against women journalists while reporting live on TV. This is the second case in Spain in under three months. We express our unwavering support for Ángela Julve and strongly denounce any harassment targeting women journalists.
Ángela Julve, a reporter for Informativos Telecinco, was sexually harassed while reporting live on the arrest of two men accused of sexually assaulting a foreign tourist. Julve was providing crucial details of the assault when her report was abruptly interrupted by two men who approached her and harassed her. One of the men shamelessly intruded into the shot, commenting inappropriately, "I like you!" and "Yes, sir!" Meanwhile, the other man, shirtless, obstructed the camera's view with his gestures, further disrupting the broadcast. The broadcast had to be terminated.
Julve's case echoes a similar occurrence documented by CFWIJ in September when reporter Isa Balado from En Boca de Todos was sexually assaulted during a live broadcast. Balado was covering a story about two shop assistants who had apprehended a thief when a man approached her from behind and touched her inappropriately. The incident unfolded on live television, leaving Balado visibly uncomfortable.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism stands in unwavering solidarity with Ángela Julve and expresses its utmost condemnation of the harassment she faced during her reporting. No woman journalist should ever face such harassment, regardless of the circumstances. We call upon the authorities to actively support and protect women journalists, creating an environment where they can work without fear of harassment or intimidation by holding accountable those responsible.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.