speaking of bullying the overweight- Overweight news anchor takes bully to task on air

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When Jennifer Livingston, the morning news anchor for WKBT-TV in La Crosse, Wisconsin, got the email last week, she was stunned.

"Now those of us in the media get a healthy dose of critiques from our viewers throughout the year, and we realize that it comes with having a job in the public eye," she said. "But this email was more than that."


It was from a local man who took issue with the fact that Livingston is overweight, trying to make her feel ashamed about how she looked. Her husband, the station's evening news anchor, Mike Thompson, was so upset by the email that he posted it on his official WKTB Facebook page.

"I've posted about negative emails the station has received in the past, but this one delivered specifically to my wife, morning anchor Jennifer Livingston, has just infuriated me," Thompson wrote. "Seriously, the fact that there are people out there like this (and I understand this person is a lawyer in town) makes me sick to my stomach."


The public fascination with celebrities' weight and body image is nothing new. Just last week, after speculation about a big weight gain, Lady Gaga admitted that she's "struggled with weight and eating issues my whole life" and launched a "Body Revolution" to encourage fans to embrace their flaws. Earlier this year, supermodel Kate Upton defended her curves after a "thinspiration" blogger called her "lardy" and "a squishy brick."

But for Livingston, the email made a public issue very personal. Instead of criticism, her husband's Facebook post garnered thousands of "likes" and hundreds of comments -- the vast majority of them positive.

"My compliments to Jennifer for taking the opportunity to address this issue on the air," wrote Jay Johnson on one WKBT-TV Facebook page. "That took a lot of guts. And my hat's off to WKBT as well, for allowing her to use air time for this purpose. Obviously your station has good people with integrity, who care for their community."
"What an AMAZING woman you are Jennifer!" viewer Felicia Nelson Koth chimed in. "I think you are excellent role model for everyone especially your girls."

News anchor Jennifer Livingston addresses her bully on air. (Photo: Screengrab from WKBT-TV)
Livingston says that she was stunned by the outpouring of support. The Facebook discussions inspired her to address the issue on Tuesday morning, when she took a took a deep breath and, her voice trembling just a little, read the email out loud. On air.
"Hi, Jennifer," she read. "It's unusual that I see your morning show, but I did so for a very short time today. I was surprised indeed to witness that your physical conniption hasn't improved for many years. Surely you don't consider yourself a suitable example for this community's young people, girls in particular. Obesity is one of the worst choices a person can make and one of the most dangerous habits to maintain. I leave you this note hoping that you'll reconsider your responsibility as a local public personality to present and promote a healthy lifestyle."

She didn't identify the writer of the email, saying only that she received it on Friday from a La Crosse Man, and that the subject was "Community Responsibility."

"Yes, the truth is, I am overweight," Livingston responded as the cameras rolled. "You could call me fat and, yes, even obese on a doctor's chart. But to the person who wrote me that letter, do you think I don't know that?"

"You don't know me. You are not a friend of mine. You are not a part of my family, and you have admitted that you don't watch this show," she continued. "So you know nothing about me, but what you see on the outside. And I am much more than a number on a scale."

October is National Anti-Bullying month, she pointed out to her viewers. "It is a major issue in the lives of young people today, and as the mother of three young girls, it scares me to death," she said. While the cruel words "mean nothing to me," what angers her is the fact that kids are bullied, in person and via email and social media, every day.

"This behavior is learned. It is passed down from people like the man who wrote me that email," she pointed out. "If you are at home and you are talking about the 'Fat News Lady,' guess what? Your children are probably going to go to school and call someone fat."

"We need to teach our kind to be kind, not critical, and we need to do that by example," she added, thanking viewers and Facebook fans for taking a stand against a bully. "We are better than that email. We are better than the bullies which try to take us down."

She wrapped up her editorial with a word to kids who find themselves facing bullies of their own.

"To all of the children out there who feel lost, who are struggling with your weight, with the color 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," she said. "Learn from my experience that the cruel words of one are nothing compared to the shouts of many."

As for her not being a responsible or suitable role model, her viewers beg to differ.
"I'm a 20-year-old college student, and a young lady. I believe that Jen is a great role model and definitely someone who makes getting ready for my 8 a.m. class at WSU a little better, especially on a Monday!" Mianna Nichole Sobotta wrote on Thompson's Facebook page. "Shame on whomever wrote that email, because clearly they don't understand what a positive role model is. In a society where girls focus on the Size 0 models, and struggle with self confidence, we need more women to show young girls that you need self confidence and to love yourself for who you are!"

Re: speaking of bullying the overweight- Overweight news anchor takes bully to task on air

I think she handled it with such grace and class. I hope the asshole that wrote the email to her is wishing he never did....

speaking of bullying the overweight- Overweight news anchor takes bully to task on air

Kudos to her for having the moxie to respond the way she did, and that she did not publicly reveal the azzhat who wrote that e-mail.

Re: speaking of bullying the overweight- Overweight news anchor takes bully to task on air

Message edited 10/3/2012 4:14:03 PM.

Re: speaking of bullying the overweight- Overweight news anchor takes bully to task on air

I wondered how long before another LIF'er picked up this story..its been making the rounds all over my Facebook News Feed..

A FB acquaintance posted it all over people's walls (she happens to be overweight at 5'2, 235 lbs) One of the comments I found interesting which shows the flipside:

"I think that while the letter writer had a noble intent, ultimately the effect was rather counterproductive. The intent was obviously to get the morbidly obese woman into the gym to do a few exercises, but the net effect was the chubster sitting on ass for probably a few hours, thinking of ways to shift blame for her poor lifestyle choices, and ultimately making the author out to be the "bad guy."

So in summary, I give the author a 9.5 for merit, but a 2.0 for execution."

Here is another one which also has an interesting perspective:

Jennifer needs to be sent a message that is loud and clear, as does everyone else who may be apt to act as she does. What happened was not a case of bullying, and the fact that Jennifer tried to make it so shows her own willingness to manipulate others into allowing people such as herself to be selfish, unhealthy both mentally and physically. That is characteristic of people who choose not to take personal responsibility and instead place the burden on any other(s).

Jennifer blamed her weight on having children and said that if she could snap her fingers and be healthier she would. What she was saying was that if it were really easy then she would consider it. What is unsaid is that she is unwilling to do the work to minimize the burden she places on the healthcare system as she ages, her children when she dies before she should, and all of the people who will now be enabled by her labeling what happened as bullying, rather than doing what is the right, or at a minimum the good thing to do.

I have children and I am healthier than before, because my mentality is healthier than Jennifer’s. If anyone were to bully, it would be Jennifer, as she has done, because she doesn’t even have enough character to take care of herself, feel good about herself, or come from a place of responsibility and right thought. She likely doesn’t expect the best of her children and others, so be leery. We need people who change her way of thinking, and we Always need to be able to call on people who are being too selfish at the expense of others to step up in this country.

If Jennifer had a realistic and healthy pattern of thought than she would publicly appreciate the letter that she received for what it was and encourage people to do what is going to make them feel the best possible about themselves, without laziness, selfishness, or manipulation-just be their best, rather than twisting the message in the letter. However, she wouldn’t do so, because it would be against her desires and goals. I worked out throughout all of my pregnancies, as I did before and after. It was no fun but boy are the results satisfying. I did it just as I face reality, easy or not. I eat well, am there for my loved ones as well as myself, and work in the healthcare field.

I take great offense to Jennifer’s way of thinking and it has become too prevalent. I would react the same way to an alcoholic that cried bullying when being told what he or she needed to/should be told! We need to be careful how we respond to this, because everyone should not be getting a free pass whenever and however it serves them, or be allowed to create a twisted reality in order to do so."

Message edited 10/3/2012 4:14:01 PM.

Re: speaking of bullying the overweight- Overweight news anchor takes bully to task on air

Re: speaking of bullying the overweight- Overweight news anchor takes bully to task on air

I also didn't think that the original letter was as severe as she took it. But his new response comes off pretty smug, laying down a challenge for her and saying she can "finally" do it. Now it almost seems like an attention ploy, to keep it in the news cycle.

EclecticEsq, thank you for posting that. I always want to hear both sides and the longer commenter makes some interesting points. I started thinking about this when I was watching "Super Size Me" about the obesity epidemic and what the answers are to solving it. Some seem to think that means no 48 ounce sodas.

Re: speaking of bullying the overweight- Overweight news anchor takes bully to task on air

Wow, some of those responses are incredible. As an overweight person, I take full accountability for my weight. I hate to exercise and I love to eat. It's fairly simple. I do, however take offense to the person who doesn't know me telling me hey, you're fat and you are setting a bad example for your children and your community. This person is not a friend to her. He is a stranger passing judgment. He couldn't give two shits about whether or not she had a healthy lifestyle. He just is not thrilled that she is a fat person on tv. That is the difference. If her BEST FRIEND said to her, hey, I noticed you've gained some weight and I'd love to help you maybe we can go to the gym together or go to a WW meeting together it would be different.

Re: speaking of bullying the overweight- Overweight news anchor takes bully to task on air

This is such a sensitive topic.

I had a child too and my weight has never been the same.

I also have a major junk food habit and don't like exercising.

I know I could stand to drop a decent amount.

That's me.

It's still so hard not to be judgmental though, especially of people who are severely obese and seemingly doing nothing about it. I know that there's a lot that may be wrong in a person's life to steer them in this direction.

I spoke about my parents in the other thread.

It would be one thing if they were truly making efforts to improve their situation, but they do not. I also see the exact same behaviors with my aunt and cousin who are constantly in and out of the hospital with health issues that I swear are linked to their obsesity.

As soon as they are released, they're at some drive-thru because "they couldn't eat that hospital diet".

I understand it's not easy, and I KNOW I am not coming across as super sensitive, but it's hard to be when you see them plant themselves by the appetizers at each family event and lick the chip and dip bowls clean.

Next, eat a huge meal, then go onto have a piece of everything brought for dessert.

I personally DON'T say it to their faces, (and with that said feel it's out of line for a stranger to criticize someone they don't know) but DH and I talk about it (as in FAMILY) when they are not around.

My mother has caused arguments because she expects dinner to be served at a certain time when she visits us.

After DH works a 12+ hour day and then commutes home to Suffolk County from Manhattan, my parents will stalk him when he walks into the front door about turning on the grill or going back out to "pick up a pizza".

We've taken them out to dinner at the seafood place in Lindenhurst and my dad parks himself at the raw bar, will have a dinner and then finish my son's kid meal.

How can you NOT be judgmental of someone heading down a path of destruction? Especially those one knows personally.

Sensitive topic or not, I DO talk about this because it DOES affect my life since they are slowly killing themselves with food.

Surely I can't be the only one affected by such an addiction.

Again, what a stranger chooses to do with their life, I'm really not about to take on. There could be 101 reasons why they are they way they are and it's not worth the drama, because in the end, I don't know their life and what goes on.

Re: speaking of bullying the overweight- Overweight news anchor takes bully to task on air

All those comments taking the letter writer's side assume the newscaster doesn't excercise. Did anyone see her husband's response? I can't find it right now, but according to him, she does excercise.

I think what annoys me the most that when she does loose weight, this smug @sshole will think he was responsible for it, when in reality she has already been working on it.

And I hate when people say ,"Put down the cheesburgers!" Not all overweight people eat fastfood, or even meat.

Also,"Obesity is one of the worst choices a person can make."

Really? How can anyone say that this message was sent in a helpful manner?

Message edited 10/3/2012 6:28:32 PM.

Re: speaking of bullying the overweight- Overweight news anchor takes bully to task on air

There's a thread about this on Diet and Fitness, too. It's interesting.

I don't know if I agree that this specific instance is bullying. That said, I think the letter writer is beyond "not his place", and is basically a complete asshat, really. And good for her for her calm, respectful, measured response on air.

speaking of bullying the overweight- Overweight news anchor takes bully to task on air

I saw this on fb today an shared it. She is a very classy lady, in my opinion. The letter writer is concerned that she's not a positive role model for young women because she's FAT?? I think she's a positive role model because she's a professional woman in a largely male profession. I think that is a GREAT role model. Who gives a shit what she looks like?!

speaking of bullying the overweight- Overweight news anchor takes bully to task on air

And why does she have to be a role model for body type? Do role models have to be perfect in every way? I kinda thought it was just for their role. She is a role model for girls who want to be journalists, imo.

Re: speaking of bullying the overweight- Overweight news anchor takes bully to task on air

Re: speaking of bullying the overweight- Overweight news anchor takes bully to task on air

I heard a recording of her response and I took it as she was saying bullying starts by parents commenting on others weight. That parents say that someone is fat and the kids think it is okay to treat their peers in the same manner.

I think she handled it perfectly. I think her being a happy,productive, person who so happens to be over weight is a better example for young children then the critical person who wrote the letter. If they have that much time on their hands to write a letter like that they really need to get a life.

Re: speaking of bullying the overweight- Overweight news anchor takes bully to task on air

The guy who wrote the letter is the ultimate dbag to me. I'm pretty certain he would never have written this had he seen an overweight male news anchor.

Re: speaking of bullying the overweight- Overweight news anchor takes bully to task on air

I love what her brother, Ron Livingston had to say about all of this...

"My sister Jennifer ... brings an exceptional dedication to her job, her family, and her community, and has been a role model of mine for many, many years," the actor known for roles in Office Space and Sex and the City said in a statement Wednesday.

The actor goes on to say he's "extremely proud" of his sibling, who is also an Emmy-winning journalist and mother of three daughters.

Message edited 10/3/2012 7:54:00 PM.

speaking of bullying the overweight- Overweight news anchor takes bully to task on air

I don't understand why that person who wrote the letter felt it was necessary to make those comments. He doesn't know her personally. I don't go up to random people who are smoking and tell them that what they're doing is disgusting and "dangerous habit". It's none of my business!

People have some balls.

Re: speaking of bullying the overweight- Overweight news anchor takes bully to task on air

speaking of bullying the overweight- Overweight news anchor takes bully to task on air

I like how she took that as opportunity to address some real issues...

Re: speaking of bullying the overweight- Overweight news anchor takes bully to task on air

I loved that ... It gave me the chills! I thought she handled it beautifully.

Re: speaking of bullying the overweight- Overweight news anchor takes bully to task on air

Re: speaking of bullying the overweight- Overweight news anchor takes bully to task on air