Tabitha Bartoe, a meteorologist at a local news station in Knoxville, Tennessee announced on Twitter she has been let go from her position.
The young meteorologist, just 22 years of age, suggested her dismissal was due to her appearance, specifically mentioning her curly hair and body size. This would not be the first time unrealistic and often unattainable beauty standards have derailed the career of an on-air personality.
She shared a full statement on social media.
\u201chttps://t.co/vOiv97uPFB\u201d— Tabitha Bartoe (@Tabitha Bartoe) 1684079565
She emphasized everyone is beautiful and professional in their own way, regardless of their hair type or body size.
Bartoe also encouraged individuals with natural curls to embrace and be proud of their hair, noting that it is a professional choice.
She wrote:
“To my viewers,”
“Many of you have been asking me numerous questions and I feel you deserved to have an honest answer about where I've been.”
“I wanted to thank you for being here for me and supporting me for months as I began my career in the news world.”
“I feel I never was able to introduce myself and magically appeared on your screens one day, but I was a student that had just graduated in December and this was my first job out of college and I was extremely excited to get to know you all.”
“When I went to college I was told that you will hear negative things about you and you have to ignore it, but I never once heard anything negative from viewers because you all were so kind no matter where I went.”
“You all made me happy to be a Tennessean.”
“The sad news, my time at WATE has come to a close.”
“I'm so appreciative of the Storm Team, the digital producers, the rest of the on air talent, and everyone in the control room. They were the ones that kept spirits lifted and things positive, even if the circumstances with management were not as great.”
“One thing I will say, is that I hope that in the future, we all learn to appreciate and accept people for who they are. For their appearance, for their STYLE. Everyone is beautiful and professional in their own ways.”
“No matter if you have CURLY HAIR, or you're NOT a size 2, but a size 12. You matter and people's comments should not let you down, or it should not play as a large circumstance in your job.”
“If you have natural curls, embrace them and be proud of your natural hair. It is professional.”
“As Frank Sinatra says, 'The Best is Yet To Come' and I can't wait to share with you my next adventure 💙”
The news station, WATE 6, has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Kristen Shaughnessy, a weekend anchor and breaking news reporter, retweeted Bartoe's message and questioned whether Bartoe was fired for refusing to straighten her hair and if her youth played a role in the decision.
\u201cNot a good look .@6News\u2026 but interested to hear the News Director\u2019s response. \n\nDid you fire female meteorologist\n .@TabithaBartoe because she wouldn\u2019t straighten her hair? \n\nDid you think because she is young she wouldn\u2019t speak up? \n\n\u201c..No matter if you have CURLY HAIR, or\u2026\u201d— kristen shaughnessy (@kristen shaughnessy) 1684230007
Bartoe expressed her gratitude for her colleagues on social media.
She highlighted their support and positivity even during challenging times with management.
The internet is rallying behind the budding weather woman.
\u201c@TabithaBartoe I seen your story on news sentinel and it was so wrong. I also have curly hair but growing up,i was told by my fam that it was not styled so it always stayed straightened. Adult me loves it and i stan with you!\u2764\ufe0f\u201d— Tabitha Bartoe (@Tabitha Bartoe) 1684079565
\u201c@TabithaBartoe One of these days the news industry will see that curly haired women can and do thrive on TV\n\nBeyond that, the information we convey is far more important than what kind of hair we are BORN WITH and what size clothes we wear.\n\nOn to better things!\n\n#CurlyHairInNews #LoveYourCurls\u201d— Tabitha Bartoe (@Tabitha Bartoe) 1684079565
\u201c@TabithaBartoe I am so sorry this happened to you . What does it matter if you have curly or straight hair . You did your job well and that should be all that mattered . No matter what size you wear either . You are beautiful, so keep smiling and moving forward and you can turn around and laugh\u201d— Tabitha Bartoe (@Tabitha Bartoe) 1684079565
\u201c@TabithaBartoe Tabitha, I think you are Absolutely Perfect! You should not change one bit for anybody! i am sure you will get plenty of job offers! Keep your Beautiful head up! \ud83d\udc9e\ud83d\udc9e\u201d— Tabitha Bartoe (@Tabitha Bartoe) 1684079565
\u201c@TabithaBartoe Amazing response! In college a professor told me MAYBE with a pro hair/makeup team I MIGHT make it to local anchor. So, I became a producer. Follow your dreams and guard them closely. I'm happy to make any intros that I can for you. Feel free to DM me.\u201d— Tabitha Bartoe (@Tabitha Bartoe) 1684079565
\u201c@TabithaBartoe Your later will be greater.#effem\u201d— Tabitha Bartoe (@Tabitha Bartoe) 1684079565
\u201c@TabithaBartoe Wow! You did a great job! Chin up and on to better places. As for our household, we have \u201ctuned out\u201d @6News effective immediately.\u201d— Tabitha Bartoe (@Tabitha Bartoe) 1684079565
\u201c@TabithaBartoe They were so wrong to let you go! You are so cute and spunky. You\u2019ll land on your feet! Good luck!\u201d— Tabitha Bartoe (@Tabitha Bartoe) 1684079565
\u201c@TabithaBartoe You are beautiful!! I LOVE your curls! Never change! \ud83e\udd0d\u201d— Tabitha Bartoe (@Tabitha Bartoe) 1684079565
\u201c@TabithaBartoe Absolutely unacceptable. I hope in the immediate future you are hired to a network that respects women.\u201d— Tabitha Bartoe (@Tabitha Bartoe) 1684079565
Bartoe expressed her hope people would learn to appreciate and accept others for who they are, including their unique appearances.
Best of luck to her on her future endeavors. Shoot for the stars, Tabitha Bartoe.
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