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News Anchor Suspended Over Alleged Homophobic Remarks About TV Host

Nov 14, 2012  •  Post A Comment

A television news anchor was suspended by her station for remarks that are being called homophobic, reports the Cincinnati Enquirer. Raycom-owned WXIX-TV, a Fox affiliate, suspended anchor Tricia Macke for two days.

Macke, who co-anchors the evening newscasts, allegedly made remarks on Facebook calling MSNBC host Rachel Maddow an "angry young man." Maddow is openly gay.

WXIX-TV general manager Bill Lanesey said the station wouldn’t comment on personnel matters. Macke returned to work this week after two days off the air.

The incident caused controversy in the Ohio city, with GLAAD demanding an apology, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Macke issued an apology online, saying her comments 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 said in the statement.

tricia-macke.jpgTricia Macke

8 Comments

  1. I will never watch this homophobic woman again. I forgive her but can’t watch her any more. (And I’m straight btw).

  2. Please tell me why we use a form of the word “phobia” to label people who allegedly say something derogatory toward homosexuals. “Phobia” indicates fear. Are you saying these people are afraid of homosexuals? Isn’t this just more name-calling? It seems to show not only a poor command of the English language but it also continues to lower our level of civil discourse.

  3. This is beyond stupid.
    The origin of a word and the definition of a word are two different things.
    But you already know that, right? If not, I suggest you look it up in just about any dictionary.

  4. Just wondering… did this become USSR? I always thought that this was the United States of America. Doesn’t anybody have the right to their free speech and expression? I’m tired of people having to be politically correct, because someone wants to take away a right, from a person or persons whom they don’t like what’s said. If it doesn’t agree with an agenda, the thinking is that we are now USSR and China… Not the USA. We forget that the person has those inalienable rights. Yes, this even goes to public figures, on or off the air. Online or in person. Yes, I may not like what she said, since I am also gay… but it’s a fact of life to hear what I may not like. Being gay and mature, I think I can let them speak their mind, since I live in one of the 50 states. Tricia Macke, keep speaking your mind… I support your right to free speech… even if I don’t agree with the words.

  5. We HAVE to protect the right for one to express your views, whether we agree with the person or not.
    Opinions are okay, but only as long as I agree with what you say – doesn’t sound like America to me.
    I applaud your maturity to protect free speech.

  6. We HAVE to protect the right for one to express your views, whether we agree with the person or not.
    Opinions are okay, but only as long as I agree with what you say – doesn’t sound like America to me.
    I applaud your maturity to protect free speech.

  7. I’m a 55 year old senior comm student at UC, so I’m no genius. But most hate is rooted in fear. I’d have fired her.

  8. No one knew how smart you are until you opened your mouth. I will never watch her again.

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