*Since meteorologist Rhonda Lee was let go from the CBS affiliate news station KTBS in Shreveport, LA, fans and activists have rallied behind her, insisting the company’s decision was motivated by her ‘ethnic look’.
Lee was interviewed on MSNBC by host Thomas Roberts in a panel discussion with fellow anchor Melisssa Harris-Perry, who commended Lee for standing up for herself on Facebook.
“I think it’s so important for black women to speak for themselves about their hair, so what I appreciate about what Rhonda did here, in a very calm, consistent and I think educating manner. She spoke about what her hair is, what the choices were and the reasons for it and then she thanks the viewer for having a response,” said Harris-Perry.
While Lee did respond saying that her comment was an opportunity to inform an ignorant person; she also reflected on the difference in treatment of another anchor, a Wisconsin woman, Jennifer Livingston, who was praised for standing up to a bully that chastised her weight.
“I felt like [Livingston] got a platform and I got the boot. I’m not clear why I couldn’t have used this as an educational moment, instead, it was disheartening. I will say I tried. I really did try. I don’t believe in having to chastise a viewer, saying ‘bad viewer.’ Clearly, the guy just didn’t know. I felt like if I was in that position to help him, I should be able to do so.”
Fans and followers shared similar views via Facebook, some demanding that the station rehire Rhonda, starting a few petitions. One has gotten more than 3,000 signatures and another 1,000.
Watch the interview:
Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
She got fired for responding using her employer’s Facebook page instead of her personal Facebook page. I don’t understand why she is pretending. Her employer hired her with the short hair and that is enough. I have never heard of any employer letting their employees use their resources any way they feel like.
That’s the exact reason she was fired and she should have been fired it by chance she violated the employer’s compliance.
She should have ignored the comments, but certain females can’t keep their mouth shut.. you pick your battles you don’t let battles pick up…
..and I betcha a dollar to a donut, it was a southern NEGRO who bashed her on face book, a negro is an african american’s worst enemy- especially down south.
I’m certain this woman will get another job.
Hopefully she doesn’t file a racial discrimination lawsuit.
As far as I’ve read, she was fired for violating station policy AFTER being warned about having
Not only was she fired but a white guy was fired too.
I not sure what some of these comments are about especially the one about women can’t keep their mouth shut what is that about???? Maybe you should read what her response to the person was first of all then maybe you should read what the viewer wrote back and said after her response (he offered an apology). AND if the person who wrote the comment( that she should wear a wig) put that on her employers facebook page why could she not respond on the employers facebook page?????? Oh I forgot she was not informed of the policy Where was the policy written??? And I hope she does sue their azzes racist rednecks
According to what I’ve read, a memo had been sent to all employees advising them of the policy several months before this situation occurred between Ms. Lee and the viewer. The station said that Ms. Lee had repeatedly violated said policy. Not only was she fired, but so was a white colleague for the same offense.
If she did indeed violate the company’s policy, she should be fired. If the company’s policy prohibits its employees from directly corresponding with viewers via its corporate FB page, then employees need to comply with the policy regardless if an employee is personally attacked. It’s then the responsibility of the company to respond to the viewer NOT the employee.
Same as in any other business, I totally agree.