ABC meteorologist claims she was fired because of curly hair and because she was “a size 12.”
An ABC meteorologist has claimed she was fired from her job for not straightening her hair and for being “a size 12” instead of a “size two.”
Tabitha Bartoe, 22, of Knoxville, Tennessee, was thrilled when she landed her dream role as the weekend morning weather anchor for ABC affiliate WATE 6 On Your Side in February.
But just four months later, she announced she was no longer working for the publication β hinting that she had been suspended for her “appearance.”
In a post shared on her Twitter account earlier this week, Tabitha revealed that her time with WATE had “come to an end” – reminding people that “everyone is beautiful in their own way” and encouraging her followers to share their’ embrace natural beauty. beauty.
An ABC meteorologist has claimed she was fired for not straightening her hair and for being a “size 12” instead of a “size two.”
Tabitha Bartoe, 22, of Knoxville, Tennessee, was ecstatic when she landed her dream role as the weekend morning weather anchor for ABC affiliate WATE 6 On Your Side in February
But just four months later, she announced she was no longer working for the publication β hinting that she had been suspended for her “appearance”
In a post shared on her Twitter account earlier this week, Tabitha revealed that her time with WATE had “come to an end” – while encouraging her followers to embrace their “natural” beauty
She said looks “shouldn’t play a big role in your job,” emphasizing that curly hair is just as “professional” as straight hair.
She said that appearance “shouldn’t be a major circumstance in your job,” emphasizing that curly hair is just as “professional” as straight hair.
“When I went to college I was told that you will hear negative things about you and you should ignore that,” she began in the lengthy note.
βI hope that in the future we will all learn to appreciate and accept people for who they are, for their appearance and for their style.
Everyone is beautiful and professional in their own way. It doesn’t matter if you have curly hair, or if you don’t have a size two, but a size 44.
βYou matter, and people’s comments shouldn’t disappoint you. It should not play as a big circumstance in your work.
βIf you have natural curls, embrace them and be proud of your natural hair. It’s professional.’
Tabitha, who received her undergraduate degree from Valparaiso University and her master’s degree from the University of North Dakota, explained that this was her “first job out of college” and that she was “extremely excited” about it.
“I’m so grateful to the Storm team, the digital producers, the rest of the air talent and everyone in the control room,” she continued.
Tabitha (seen with her co-stars) explained that this was her ‘first job out of college’ and she was ‘extremely excited’ about it
βI have so much appreciation for the Storm team,β she continued. “They were the ones who kept the spirits up and things positive, even though the conditions with management weren’t great”
“They were the ones who kept the spirits up and things positive, even though the conditions with management weren’t great.”
The weatherwoman concluded with a quote from Frank Sinatra, who wrote, βThe best is yet to come. I can’t wait to share my next adventure with you.’
DailyMail.com has reached out to ABC’s WATE 6 On Your Side for comment.
Tabitha’s heartbreaking message quickly gained a lot of attention online, gaining over 10,000 views and sparking a flurry of reactions from people coming to her aid.
NY1 anchor Kristen Shaughnessy reposted it, adding, βNot a good look @6News. Did you fire Tabitha because she wouldn’t straighten her hair? Did you think she wouldn’t speak up because she’s young?’
Tabitha’s heartbreaking message quickly gained a lot of attention online, gaining over 10,000 views and sparking a flurry of reactions from people who came to her aid
“It is so sad to see women treated this way because of their natural hair and appearance,” another wrote.
β@6News made a very, very bad decision,β a third tweet read, while a fourth said, βSo sorry to hear you are no longer on WATE.
Please don’t give up if this is your dream. You are a delight to watch and a bright light to the world.’
Another person added, “I’m sorry to hear that. It’s their loss and someone else’s gain. I look forward to hearing about your next adventure.’
“Absolute nonsense action from your employer,” another user raged. “You have naturally curly hair that accentuates your features.”