By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-08-06 18:37:58 | Updated at 2026-08-06 20:23:43
2 hours ago
A recently suspended local news anchor in Houston returned to the air Thursday to repeatedly apologize to viewers for accepting free World Cup tickets from county officials.
KPRC-2's Daniella Guzman, 44, was taken off the air on July 29 after a report from right-leaning outlet The Texas Voice revealed the alleged misconduct.
Records showed how Guzman received complimentary tickets to a game between Democratic Republic of the Congo and Portugal at NRG Stadium, on June 17.
The gift was supplied by the public entity that oversees the park, Harris County Sports and Convention Corporation.
Guzman described the provider as 'a family friend' after finishing her morning headlines.
'During the break this morning, I'd like to say something personal.
'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,' Guzman said.
KPRC-2's Daniella Guzman, 44, was forced to apologize on the air Thursday morning. The station suspended her for a week for violating policies against accepting gifts from government officials
Guzman posted a reel of herself in a luxury suite at the game between Portugal and DR Congo on June 17, bringing her mother and father
The anchor's statement continued for more than a minute. Guzman also received tickets to a Bruno Mars concert at NRG Stadium in April, the Voice first reported.
'Looking back... I see how my actions impacted my credibility as a journalist,' Guzman said. 'I take full responsibility for that oversight.'
She added how KPRC conducted 'a thorough review' and that she 'fully cooperated.'
KPRC General Manager Sean McLaughlin confirmed in a Thursday statement that the station conducted a probe and found 'no conclusion that the tickets influenced or were connected to [Guzman's] journalism or news coverage.'
Guzman told viewers: 'I respect the station's standards and the importance of maintaining the trust of our viewers and our colleagues.'
To compensate, she's donating the 'cash value of those tickets' to a local nonprofit she said would help 'Houstonians in need, directly,' she said.
'And I remain committed to the integrity that has guided me throughout my long career.
'To KPRC, to my colleagues, and to everyone who has placed their trust in me, I am truly sorry.
'Your trust means everything to me, and I will continue working every day to earn it.'
Guzman, a four-time Emmy winner who hosts her station's 5am broadcast, posted a reel of herself in a luxury suite at the game, bringing her mother and father.
Ticket prices for the tournament were famously high, meaning Guzman's donation could be a big one. The average cheapest ticket for a group-stage game 60 days out was $1,040, ESPN reported.
The controversy comes months after CBS Mornings' Gayle King faced criticism for taking part in an all-female Blue Origin rocket launch last year. In that case, the extravaganza was aired by the network and King offered coverage.
