A local Fox anchor from Cincinnati who referred to MSNBC power lesbian Rachel Maddow as an”angry young man” has apologized, following pressure from the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD).
Fox19 Cincinnati anchor Tricia Macke made the original comment – “Rachel Maddow is such an angry young man” – on her Facebook page back in October. At first, she seemed unapologetic, responding to someone who had taken offense: “you are right. I’m sorry, I should’ve said “antagonistic.” She also admitted that she “knew what I was saying.”
It seems both GLAAD and Equality Ohio knew what Macke was saying, too, and had a few choice words of their own:
Referring to Maddow as a “man” because she is a gay woman is completely unacceptable for someone in the business of journalism.
Cincinnati viewers rely on Mackie and Fox 19 to deliver unbiased and fair reporting about the lives of LGBT people in their community. But this is someone who attempted to insult a gay woman by questioning her gender, then stated very clearly that she did so with complete awareness of her actions.
Tricia Mackie undoubtedly tried to insult Maddow because of their political differences, rather than simply because Maddow is gay – but her comments went much further than insulting Maddow’s political leanings, and took issue with Maddow’s gender, revealing an anti-gay (or at least anti-gender-nonconforming?) bias underlying her political beliefs.
After the subsequent fallout, on Friday Macke issued an official apology through Fox19’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.”
What do you think? Was Macke out of line and got put in her place, or did GLAAD blow this out of proportion?
(h/t: The Raw Story)
Photo: GLAAD
Dakotahgeo
GLAAD was spot on the mark! But coming from a Faux News anchor, it would be in keeping with their anti-gay blathering. Let’s hope they look inwardly after the past election results. Those should sober them up a little bit!
watching1
If only GLAAD were that good on other obvious insults (hint: take a look at Glee, GLAAD!).
I can’t really accept her apology. It doesn’t ring true, given she previously said she was aware of exactly what she was saying. The apology was forced, and not sincere, from what I can tell. I think it’s much more likely that it fits perfectly with what she thinks of gender-queer people. Given that, I think she should be fired.
hamoboy
GLAAD was on point, there’s no question of that.
Dumdum
I guess it takes considerable knowledge just to realize the extent of your own ignorance.
the other Greg
Aside from the “man” remark, when has Rachel ever been angry? She always seems pretty amused by all the stupidity out there.
Steve Rider
I believe GLAAD’s response was appropriate. I don’t think comments on an employee’s personal social page should be considered a reflection on her employer, it’s just not surprising.
If they have to lay off immigrants and lay off teh gays who will False News demonize?
conrad charleston
How lame was that apology? Instead of saving face, maybe we can have an actual dialogue!
“Referring to Maddow as a “man” because she is a gay woman is completely unacceptable for someone in the business of journalism –” as if insulting Maddow because she is gay is acceptable for anyone? No, mamn. If GLAAD bullies an ignorant woman into submitting to some proffesional standard of civility, it also terminates her chance to talk through her stupidity in a public setting. I’d much rather her demonstrate “her beliefs” than cover them up.
– Conrad Charleston
balehead
“Shock words” are the new way of getting attention for yourself…
Wilberforce
The apology was totally insincere.
But GLAAD’s role was pretty lame. I’m from an earlier generation in which gender-bending is de regeur, and where we don’t take gender so seriously. It might have been more effective if Rachel had countered with, ‘I’m more of a woman than you’ll ever be, and more of a man than you’ll ever get.’
1EqualityUSA
Dream on, Tricia.
demsux
Boo hoo hoo. Get tissue. You cannot take a dose of your own medicine. You liberal people get a way slandering anyone who is against your life style or who is conservative and get away with it but, when it comes to a conservative making a comment you have a hissy fit and play the victim role. Rachel Maddow wants to be a man, she needs to grow a pair and have thick skin.
Dumdum
@demsux: I guess it takes considerable knowledge just to realize the extent of your own ignorance. Ms. Maddow never said anything you boob! It was GLAAD. It is one thing to call a bigot a bigot, or a racist a racist, quite another thing to make an anti-gay slur. So piss off you narrow minded wanker!!!
Dumdum
@demsux: I guess it takes considerable knowledge just to realize the extent of your own ignorance. Ms. Maddow never said anything you boob! It was GLAAD. It is one thing to call a bigot a bigot, or a ra**st a ra**st, quite another thing to make an anti-gay slur. So piss off you narrow minded wanker!!!
Dakotahgeo
@Dumdum: Another crybaby Republican wannabe. You lost! Get used to it, shut up, and repent! It does get better! Silly guy, you is (sic) lolol.
Dakotahgeo
@demsux: @Dumdum: Another crybaby Republican wannabe. You lost! Get used to it, shut up, and repent! It does get better! Silly guy, you is (sic) lolol.
2eo
@demsux: Your friend didn’t have a thick skin when he was ran over, or did you think I wasn’t paying attention on your other page. As usual I don’t know anything about the incident etcetera etcetera.
I’d mock you, but him not living anymore is all the victory I need.
Dumdum
@Dakotahgeo: What are you brain dead? I have no political or religious affiliations. However, though it is none of your damned business I voted straight democrat. I was defending Ms. Maddow. People who think they know everything, are a great annoyance to those of us who do. But hey don’t worry about avoiding temptation. As you grow older, it will avoid you. And so will everyone else.
JOHN 1957
How predictable and common place of FOX.
Shannon1981
Kudos to GLAAD here, but, as far as that douchey anchor goes? Apology not accepted. She clearly knew what she was saying, and only apologized due to pressure.