Houston news anchor Daniella Guzman returned to KPRC-2 on Thursday, offering a public apology to viewers after a week-long suspension for accepting free World Cup tickets. The tickets were provided by the Harris County Sports and Convention Corporation, the public entity overseeing NRG Stadium.
Guzman, 44, was taken off the air on July 29 following a report from The Texas Voice detailing the alleged violation of station policy regarding gifts from government officials. Records indicated Guzman received complimentary tickets to a June 17 World Cup match between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Portugal, and also to a Bruno Mars concert in April.
During her morning broadcast, Guzman addressed the controversy, stating, "Recently I accepted tickets to two events from a family friend and at the time I viewed them as personal gifts. I did not disclose them, as required under station policies, and for that, I was wrong, and I'm sorry." She acknowledged that her actions impacted her credibility as a journalist and stated she takes "full responsibility for that oversight."
KPRC General Manager Sean McLaughlin confirmed that the station conducted a review and found "no conclusion that the tickets influenced or were connected to [Guzman's] journalism or news coverage." Guzman expressed her respect for the station's standards and the importance of viewer trust.
As a form of restitution, Guzman announced she would donate the cash value of the tickets to a local nonprofit assisting Houston residents. She also posted a reel on social media showcasing herself in a luxury suite at the June 17 soccer match with her parents. Ticket prices for the tournament were reportedly high, with average cheapest tickets for group-stage games costing over $1,000.
Guzman, a four-time Emmy winner and host of the station's 5 a.m. broadcast, concluded her on-air statement by reiterating her apology and commitment to earning back the trust of her colleagues and the public. She emphasized her dedication to the integrity that has guided her career.