Fox News Anchor Returns After Suspension For Calling Rachel Maddow An 'Angry Young Man'
A Fox News anchor in Cincinnati returned to work Tuesday after a two-day suspension for calling MSNBC host Rachel Maddow an “angry young man.”
Tricia Macke, of Fox 19 News, also issued an apology on Nov. 9, the Advocate reports.
The anchor posted an update on Facebook last month that read, “Rachel Maddow is such an angry young man.”
After receiving criticism from several Facebook followers for her comment, Macke defended herself. "You are right. I'm sorry, I should've said ‘antagonistic,’" and later, "I knew what I was saying."
Macke’s apology and suspension came after pressure from the advocacy group, Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. The host of MSNBC’s “The Rachel Maddow Show” is openly a lesbian.
“Referring to Maddow as a 'man' because she is a gay woman is completely unacceptable for someone in the business of journalism," said a GLAAD spokesman.
Herndon Graddick, the president of GLAAD, said in astatement, "Macke owes an apology not only to viewers, but to young people in Ohio who are subjected to unfair bullying and harassment like this on a daily basis."
Fox 19’s parent company, WXIX-TV, also issued an apology preceding Macke’s suspension.
"To all FOX19 viewers and Facebook fans, We have received several expressions of concerns about a recent Facebook posting by FOX19 Anchor Tricia Macke on her personal Facebook page. Tricia’s response is provided below and is also posted on her personal Facebook page. We also apologize to anyone who may have been offended by her comments."
Macke issued her apology via the Fox 19 Facebook page.
"I recently posted comments on my personal Facebook page regarding cable news anchor Rachel Maddow which were insensitive and inappropriate. I apologize to Ms. Maddow and any others who may have been offended by my comments, as they do not reflect my firm beliefs in individual and equal rights, and they certainly do not represent the opinions or position of my employer WXIX-TV."
Macke has been an anchor for Fox 19 since 1993 and reports the 6:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts, according to Media Bistro.
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