The name Mike Calta has dominated the online sphere lately, not for his contributions to radio, but for a viral video that has left the internet community outraged
Hailing from Staten Island, New York, Mike moved to Tampa Bay, Florida, in the early ’90s.
Video of Mike Calta Tampa Radio DJ slapping a woman fan during autograph signing goes viral on Twitter
Beginning his radio journey as an intern for the Top-40 channel 93.3 WFLZ, it wasn’t until 2006 that he made significant waves with “The Cowhead Show,” named after his famous nickname in the Florida radio circles. By 2014, this show evolved into “The Mike Calta Show,” holding its place as a morning favorite on weekdays.
@RepLuna Are you aware of this video. You were just on Tampa Radio DJ Mike Calta morning show last week. Help this victim get the Justice she deserves! Thank you! pic.twitter.com/7exLRzfaBp
— Amanda Jackson (@amanda_jac87762) August 7, 2023
Marking three decades in the Florida radio world, Mike recently inked a deal with the Cox Media Group, hosting “The Bone” from St. Petersburg, Florida, during weekends. Additionally, he took up the honor of serving as the Grand Marshal for the Rough Riders St. Patrick’s Parade earlier this year.
Off the radio, Mike’s presence is equally influential. His non-profit, the Calta Family Foundation, lends support to underprivileged youth, guiding them towards their career aspirations. On a personal note, Mike shares his life with college sweetheart, Amanda, and their two children.
The Mike Calta incident sparking the outrage
It was at a Tampa Bay gun store where Mike was hosting a radio event that the controversial incident occurred. A video, which rapidly gained traction online, depicts a female fan approaching Calta, presumably for an autograph. However, things quickly spiraled.
Mike’s abrasive reaction to the woman’s recording caught the internet’s attention. Not only did he snatch her phone, but he also declined to return it until she agreed to exit the venue. As the fan protested, demanding her property back, Calta’s aggressive remarks escalated, eventually culminating in him pushing her and thrusting her phone into her mouth.
Witnesses vividly recall the alarming scene. A snippet from the video has Calta saying, “Btch you don’t back away from me, you’re gonna get thrown the fck out,” with the fan retorting, “Mike Oliviero [Calta’s real name], I want my phone back!” Amidst the commotion, she was later escorted out by Calta’s security, with Mike allegedly deleting the contentious video from her phone.
The fallout from the Mike Calta incident
As the video circulated, the backlash was swift and severe. Users online expressed their dismay at the radio personality’s behavior. Comment sections and forums were filled with calls for accountability and justice for the victim.
To many, this behavior was uncharacteristic of the Mike Calta they had come to admire, a figure known for his work ethic and strong moral principles. Given the intense online scrutiny, many await an official response or comment from Calta regarding the incident.
As of now, the identity of the female fan remains undisclosed, and the story continues to unfold with each passing day. With such widespread publicity, only time will tell how this incident will impact Mike Calta’s extensive career in radio.
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