News reporter responds on air to letter calling her fat

by Community Team Posted: October 3, 2012 12:42 PM Last Updated: October 3, 2012 1:12 PM

View the story "News reporter responds on-air to letter calling her fat" on StorifyNews reporter responds on-air to letter calling her fatAn TV news anchor has become international news herself after her on-air response to a viewer's letter, which criticized her weight, became a lesson in anti-bullying. Storified by CBC News Community · Wed, Oct 03 2012 09:41:37WKTB's Jennifer Livingston Responds To Viewer Calling Her Fat!newspoliticsnow3On October 2, News anchor Jennifer Livingston of WKBT-TV in LaCrosse, Wisc., read a lettershe had received from a viewer on the air.

The writer of the letter claimed to be surprised by Livingston's appearance, advising that her "physical condition" made her a bad role model for young people - especially young girls.

"Obesity is one of the worst choices a person can make and one of the most dangerous habits to maintain. I leave you this note hoping that you'll reconsider your responsibility as a local public personality to present and promote a healthy lifestyle," the letter read.Nydailynews

During a four minute-long address to viewers, Livingston said she had tried to laugh it off and ignore it at first, but that her husband Mike Thomson, a fellow anchor at the CBS affiliate, could not.

He posted the hurtful letter on Facebook, and after the huge outpouring of support Livingston called "inspiring"she felt compelled to speak out too

Ok. I really don't... | FacebookundefinedHer televised anti-cyber bullying tirade went viral thanks to Twitter, Facebook and Reddit, garnering her even more support than the initial post.
Finally watched the Jennifer Livingston news segment.. #inspired That women has so much courage.Laken StramaraTV news anchor Jennifer Livingston was absolutely right. #stopbullyingAlways BlueWhat an amazing and strong anchor, mother and role model. And props to her husband WKBT Mike Thompson for posting. I remember how harsh the public can be. Way to respond!Kristen ConnollyWay to go @Jennifer Livingston! We all come in different shapes and sizes - celebrate who you are.The RemaindersS/O to Jennifer Livingston you are more than a # on the scale, you are a real role model to girls & women!! Don't let others define pretty!!PrettygirlproblemsJennifer Livingston@news8jennifer I'm glad you stood up to mean viewer email! Children mimic their parents not nice to bully!Joyce BrazieBullying is never acceptable whether you are an adult or a child. This young women showed grace and class in her handling of the situation. Which is much more then I can say for her cyber-bully.Jackie Murray-CabeThe mother of three daughters admitted in her speech that she knows she's overweight, but added "I am more than a number on a scale."

A quote that has now, along with several others from her speech, been retweeted and shared all over the web.
Show your support for Jennifer Livingston and retweet... "I'm more than a number on the scale." Help stop bullying.Adina SweitzerLove this "do not let your self worth be defined by bullies" Jennifer Livingston #stopbullyingLorraine O'QuinnHowever, some have said that the letter she received couldn't exactly be considered bullying.
I'd be happy to trade my hate mail with Jennifer Livingston. (Trust me it's a LOT nastier) But does that mean I'm a victim of bullying?Charles SykesSorry, though the email to Jennifer Livingston might be lame advice, don't see it as bullying.FoodBytesJennifer Livingston, you can't call it bullying just because you're embarrassed & ashamed.DownForMineLivingtson told the Today show Wednesday that although the letter was well-written and thought out, it was meant to hurt her feelings and she does consider it an act of bullying.

"I have a pretty thick skin, I'm a tough gal and can handle this type of thing, but what I was thinking instead was that I'm having conversations with my ten-year-old daughter right now about bullying," she said. "I'm trying to inspire her and teach her that if she sees bullying - the importance of taking a stand."
Jennifer Livingston on Today Show after responding to 'bully' emailfirstleaks

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