The Coalition For Women In Journalism strongly condemns the assault

Location: Brazil, Rio de Janeiro
Date: October 2, 2023

During a live broadcast for RJ2 on InterTV, a man attempted to kiss journalist Bianca Chaboudet. The journalist managed to fend him off and continued reporting. She later shared a video of the incident on social media, expressing her distress. InterTV released a statement denouncing the attack, expressing support for Chaboudet and promising to identify the assailant. The Coalition For Women In Journalism stands in solidarity with Chaboudet and all women journalists who face harassment. We strongly condemn this act of abuse and demand accountability for the perpetrator.

"Some may argue it was just on the face, but only I understand the extent to which it unsettled me and affected my ability to carry on with my reporting." reporter Bianca Chaboudet shares after a random man attempted to kiss her without her consent during a live broadcast.

On October 2, Chaboudet was sexually harassed during a live news broadcast on RJ2. The incident, captured on camera, involved an unidentified man approaching the journalist from behind. He proceeded to grab her hips and attempted to kiss her without consent. The reporter pushed him away using her left arm, thwarting the unwelcome advance. Despite the distressing encounter, she carried on live reporting.

After several hours, Chaboudet took to social media to share a video of the incident and expressed that it left her with a profound sense of discomfort.

InterTV, a Globo affiliate, released a statement of repudiation signed by journalism director Rolf Danziger in response to the incident. The channel expressed its commitment to identifying the attacker and extended solidarity to journalist Bianca Chaboudet.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism strongly condemns the harassment. Such behavior is utterly unacceptable and undermines the safety and dignity of women journalists. We stand in solidarity with Bianca Chaboudet and all women journalists facing similar situations. No media professional should ever have to endure aggression of any kind while fulfilling their duties with dedication and commitment.

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.