Kenneth Krause, a personal injury lawyer and apparent mountain bike enthusiast, who wrote a Wisconsin anchor expressing concern about her weight and ability to be a role model, has refused to go on air and talk to the journalist.
But he may be willing to help her work out.
After her four minute-plus on-air response to Krause’s letter and alleged ‘bullying,’ Jennifer Livingston, morning anchor for WKBT in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, and sister of Office Space star Ron Livingston, found herself making national headlines.
Brian Simpson, a friend of Livingston’s who works for “The Morning Sickness” radio show on La Crosse’s 95.7 FM, has also invited Krause to come on the show “and talk about his hatred for people who are a bit overweight,” but Krause declined, according to a report from a Wisconsin blogger.
In the letter Krause wrote: “I was surprised indeed to witness that your physical condition hasn’t improved for many years.” He went on to say 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,” he wrote.
Livingston, a mother of three girls, concluded the broadcast by saying: “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.”
However, Krause later issued a statement saying he hoped Livingston would take advantage of her position in the community and set an example for children in the area by losing the weight publicly.
“I would be absolutely pleased to offer Jennifer any advice or support she would be willing to accept,” he wrote.
