Warning: Graphic content, readers’ discretion advised
TAMPA, FLORIDA: A well-known Tampa radio personality has been accused of assault after apparently hitting a woman in the face, snatching her phone, and spewing obscenities during a signing event.
The violent altercation that took place at a Florida gun store was recorded, in which the presenter of the 102.5 FM's 'The Mike Calta Show', Mike Calta, can be seen hitting a woman.
After the distressing video gained widespread attention online, netizens slammed Mike for his act of physically and verbally attacking the woman, as per the Daily Mail.
Who is Mike Calta?
Mike, formerly known as "Cowhead," is an American radio personality from Tampa Bay, Florida. Since 2007, his recognizable voice has dominated the airwaves, and his relentless work ethic has driven him through the radio station's ranks.
Native of Staten Island, New York, Mike relocated to Tampa Bay in 1992 when he was 20. He started his radio career as an intern for the Top 40 station 93.3 WFLZ.
But it wasn't until 2006 — more than ten years later — that his famous radio program, 'The Cowhead Show', brought him wide recognition, leading to him being referred to as "Cowhead" in the Florida radio industry.
The award-winning RJ, Mike, is a known sports and music fan who frequently attends community gatherings and fundraising activities. He even has his own nonprofit organization, The Calta Family Foundation.
Through his charitable institution, he seeks to help poor children and young people pursue their career goals. He also runs a number of outreach initiatives throughout the year as a means to give back to the community.
Mike has two children with his wife, Amanda Bromberg Calta, his high school sweetheart, who works as a therapist.
'The Mike Calta Show'
Mike started hosting 'The Cowhead Show' in 2006 and used alternating guest hosts until he quit the "Cowhead" nickname in 2014. The name of the show eventually changed to 'The Mike Calta Show' in 2015.
He also agreed to a multi-year deal with Cox Media Group in 2022 to host the now-popular show 'The Bone' on 102.5 FM, celebrating his thirty years in the Florida radio industry. Mike presents 'The Bone' on the weekends in the afternoon from St Petersburg, Florida.
Additionally, Calta was asked to serve as the Grand Marshal of the Rough Riders St Patrick's Parade in Ybor City, Florida, on March 11 this year.
Mike Calta punched a woman in her face
In the viral video clip, Mike can be seen seated across from a woman who appears to be recording him with her smartphone while holding a few papers in her hand (presumably for getting an autograph).
Soon, Mike started to yell at the female fan and pester her with questions like, "How pathetic is your life that you’re gonna fight this fight? My life is not pathetic."
He then told her to turn around and observe the other people there. After demanding she turn her camera, he grabbed her phone and rotated it toward the gathered crowd.
At this point, the woman objected, stating, "You don’t have permission to take that from me. That’s my property."
The conversation grew more intense as Mike pushed the woman while pressing the phone in her face. "Back away from me otherwise I am going to kick the s**t out of you!" the radio jockey is heard saying to the woman during the altercation.
Afterward, the bodyguards could be seen attempting to keep the woman away from Mike as she tried to grab her phone. What ended up shocking most people was Mike punching and pushing the woman aggressively.
As soon as the video went viral, netizens immediately called out Mike for harassing the woman and sought justice for her.
Later, while the woman was being led outside by his bodyguards, Mike apparently deleted the incident's footage from her phone, shocking many as the radio presenter is regarded as having high morals and ethics.
Outrage sparks over Mike Calta attacking the woman
The video going viral led to Mike receiving online backlash. While some want the Tampa radio host to pay for his acts, others are fighting for the woman's right to justice.
One X (formerly Twitter) user wrote, "In California that would’ve been a felony crime right there. Robbery. The taking of her property using force or fear."
A second one exclaimed, "This seems clearly like a civil lawsuit which is on tape and can easily be won. Calling all attorneys working on commission wanting to sue for a staggering sum!"
"@apolloglobal @COXMG 8 weeks have passed, your silence in allowing Mike Calta to get away with his crimes is appalling! Cox management took this video! He granted her an interview with open arms only to use his fist within minutes! Hold him accountable and your thug / promo guy!" expressed another user.
One more netizen demanded, "Yeah, this is pretty bad. He steals her phone, turns away so she can't reach it (while going through it), then shoves her. He didn't just brush or swat her away, he stood up and stepped towards her so he could give her a hard shove. He should be arrested already."
To help the victim seek justice, another user tweeted, "@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!"
"@JohnMorganESQ, your support of DJ Mike Calta is an insult to your female customers. Do the right thing and withdraw your advertising dollars from his show immediately," demanded a person who clearly wasn't happy with how the situation was handled.
