An NBC reporter demonstrated remarkable composure during a live broadcast when she encountered a group of visibly intoxicated supporters of California mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt. The supporters aggressively took over the interview, creating a chaotic scene that tested the reporter's professionalism.
Reporter Liz Kreutz struggled to manage the rowdy group as they explained their reasons for backing the former reality TV star in his bid to become the next mayor of Los Angeles. The incident unfolded as Pratt, known for his role on The Hills, surged into second place in the city's mayoral race, setting the stage for a potential November runoff against current Mayor Karen Bass.
The Chaotic Interview
The interview began with a supporter wearing a pinstripe suit and sunglasses, drink in hand, declaring that Pratt is 'speaking out against communism and socialism.' He claimed that these ideologies are 'a real big problem in our cities, especially in LA, where it's turned to c***.' He further alleged that 'Karen Bass wants to destroy our city.'
A second supporter then chimed in, attempting to simplify the message: 'I can simplify it, because those buzzwords are - they melt the brains of left, you know, leaning people. So, let's just say it this way: He doesn't want human feces to be a part of your life. Yeah. He doesn't want homeless children outside.' At this point, Kreutz quickly interrupted, thanking him as she attempted to regain control.
As another supporter joined the conversation, discussing Pratt's plan to address homelessness, Kreutz again cut him off and began to back away. The supporter noticed her retreat and pointed at her passionately, exclaiming, 'Oh, you didn't like that. Oh! Ran away!'
Escalation and Recovery
Kreutz tried to calmly conclude the interview, but the supporter continued with crude remarks, making inappropriate gestures toward the camera. 'We don't want... homeless people outside of the elementary schools having sex with their own hands... in front of the children,' he said. Kreutz repeated, 'We appreciate you. We have talked a lot about the homeless... thank you,' while slowly walking away.
Undeterred, the same supporter followed Kreutz and grabbed the microphone, stating, 'We don't appreciate you ma'am,' before walking off. From the studio, anchor Hallie Jackson praised Kreutz: 'Thank you for navigating that so well.' Another supporter then gave a shout-out to Pratt's Chief of Staff June Cutter, calling her 'incredible' and referencing the MAGA movement.
Kreutz later joked with Jackson about the incident, saying, 'Hallie, all I'll say is, they're taking a few shots, they're feeling good out here.' Jackson added, 'The margaritas are flowing there.'
Pratt's Political Rise
Spencer Pratt, a Republican candidate, has gained significant momentum in the Los Angeles mayoral race. With roughly half the vote counted, he secured second place, positioning himself for a potential runoff against Mayor Karen Bass in November. Pratt's campaign has been fueled by the destruction of his $3 million home in the 2025 Palisades Fire, which he has used to highlight issues of emergency response and bureaucracy.
Pratt has criticized Bass for failing the city on wildfires, homelessness, public safety, and basic services. His platform includes a sweeping audit of emergency infrastructure, streamlined disaster command, faster permitting for rebuilding, a treatment-first approach to homelessness, increased police funding, and crackdowns on retail theft and organized crime.
Bass's Response
Mayor Karen Bass, a former congresswoman and the first African-American woman to hold the office, has positioned herself as a steady leader who has made progress on homelessness and crime reduction. She vowed to continue her efforts, stating, 'We're going to build a city where parents and kids do not have to navigate tents.'
Despite the challenges, Pratt remains confident, expressing excitement about the prospect of facing Bass in debates. He has also downplayed national politics, focusing instead on local issues and appealing to 'mothers' as his core constituency.
Pratt's campaign has not been without controversy, with resurfaced comments about 9/11 and his stay at a luxury hotel drawing scrutiny. Nonetheless, his second-place finish has surprised many, setting the stage for a contentious November election.
