A meteorologist at an ABC TV affiliate in Tennessee tweeted that she has been suspended from the local news station – citing that it was because she has “curly hair” and is not a “size 2”.
Tabitha Bartoe has ended her weekend morning weather anchor appearance on Knoxville, Tenn.’s WATE 6 “On Your Side” after just four months, according to her LinkedIn page.
In a Twitter messageBartoe shared a message to viewers letting them know “the sad news” that her “time with WATE has come to an end” – and suggested she was fired for her appearance.
She continued: “One thing I want to say is that I hope that in the future we all learn to appreciate and accept people for who they are. For their looks, for their STYLE,” Bartoe tweeted.
“Everyone is beautiful and professional in their own way. It doesn’t matter if you have CURLY HAIR, or if you are NOT a size 2, but a size 44.”
“You matter and people’s comments shouldn’t disappoint you or they shouldn’t play a big part in your work,” added Bartoe. “If you have natural curls, embrace them and be proud of your natural hair. It’s professional.”
WATE 6 did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.
NY1 weekend anchor and breaking news reporter Kristen Shaughnessy retweeted Bartoe’s post, saying it “didn’t seem right, @6News…but interested to hear the news director’s response.”
“Fired your female meteorologist @TabithaBartoe for not wanting to straighten her hair,” Shaughnessy added. “Did you think she wouldn’t talk because she’s young?”
According to Bartoe’s social media – where she regularly posted about her love for her work – she turned 22 in April.
Bartoe also said she was “so thankful for the Storm Team, the digital producers, the rest of the on air talent and everyone in the control room. They were the ones who kept the mood bright and positive, even though the conditions with management weren’t great.”
