TV Host Injures Model After Kicking Drone

A Mexican TV host accidentally struck a model in the face after kicking a drone away from him during a live broadcast on the late-night comedy program Es Show. The incident occurred Tuesday night as presenter Ernesto Chavana was filming a segment with a group of models when a low-flying drone approached him.

In footage of the event, Mr. Chavana is heard saying, "Get this thing away from me," before kicking the drone. The device then struck model Isabella Rojas in the face. Gasps and laughter from the cast and audience turned to silence as Ms. Rojas appeared to clutch her face in pain. Cast members then crowded around her before two women escorted her off the set.

"See what you have done!" Mr. Chavana told crew members after the incident. Ms. Rojas returned minutes later to inform viewers that she was unharmed, though she noted that part of her lip had split open, revealing blood around her teeth as she smiled.

Mr. Chavana apologized to Ms. Rojas, stating, "I'm very sorry. I am responsible for what just happened. I feel very ashamed and embarrassed for what I have just done. I kicked this thing they put in front of me... I don't know, maybe it was my new shoes."

The video of the incident has since gone viral, drawing criticism on social media. Many online users expressed concern that Mr. Chavana did not immediately check on Ms. Rojas after striking her, with others questioning the safety standards on set. Some commenters urged Ms. Rojas to pursue legal action against the host and the program.

This is not the first time Mr. Chavana has exhibited frustration on air. In 2024, he announced his resignation live on air following a dispute with a production colleague, though he later returned to the program.

The incident occurred days after a Spanish TV reporter was hit by a large wave while covering dangerous sea conditions during a storm. Footage showed reporter Sergio Ovejero reporting on an orange weather warning in Ondarroa on the Basque coast when a massive wave swept over the sea wall, striking him and his camerawoman. The broadcast was interrupted, but both Ovejero and his camerawoman, Raquel Vidal, were later confirmed to be unharmed.