(La Crosse, WI) Almost any person who appears on television has received a rude comment about their weight, make-up, hairstyle or wardrobe at some point.
Most comments are either responded to politely or ignored.
Jennifer Livingston, a news anchor for WKBT-TV in La Crosse, Wisconsin however went on air to reply to a viewer who sent her an email about her weight.
The emails said in part, “I was surprised indeed to witness that your physical condition hasn’t improved for many years,” wrote the viewer, who said Livingston was not a “suitable example” for young girls. “I leave you this note hoping that you’ll reconsider your responsibility as a local public personality to present and promote a healthy lifestyle.”
Livingston, a mother of three and morning news anchor responded by saying at first she was hurt by the words. She says the hurt however changed when she received an outpouring of support when her husband, a fellow news anchor, posted the email on his Facebook page.
“I leave you with this: To all of the children out there who feel lost, who are struggling with your weight, with the color of your skin, your sexual preference, your disability, even the acne on your face, listen to me right now. do not let your self-worth be defined by bullies. Learn from my experience — that the cruel words of one are nothing compared to the shouts of many.”
