After pressure from the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), a Fox affiliate anchor has issued an apology for calling MSNBC host and liberal commentator Rachel Maddow an "angry young man."
Tricia Macke, a reporter with Fox 19 Cincinnati, posted "Rachel Maddow is an angry young man," on her Facebook page last month, according to GLAAD. Despite receiving criticism, Macke defended herself, responding, "You are right. I'm sorry, I should've said ‘antagonistic,’" and "I knew what I was saying."
GLAAD said "referring to Maddow as a 'man' because she is a gay woman is completely unacceptable for someone in the business of journalism." The organization's president, Herndon Graddick, responded, saying, "Macke owes an apology not only to viewers, but to young people in Ohio who are subjected to unfair bullying and harassment like this on a daily basis."
Macke removed the "angry young man" post about Maddow from her Facebook, but The Advocate and other news organizations published a screen grab.
On Friday, Macke issued an apology via Fox 19's Facebook page:
I recently posted comments on my personal Facebook page regarding cable news anchor Rachel Maddow which 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 has been with Cincinnati's Fox 19 News since 1993, according to Opposing Views. She anchors the 6:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts, Media Bistro reports.
However, on Monday Cincinnati.com reported Macke was absent from Sunday's regular newscast.
Fox 19 managers would not address specifics. “We don’t comment on personnel matters,” WXIX General Manager Bill Lanesey told Cincinnati.com. Adding, “We expect Tricia to be back on the anchor desk Tuesday (tomorrow).”
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