Letter Calling News Anchor Obese Goes Viral [Video]
A letter sent to a Wisconsin news anchor chastising the woman for being a poor role model because she is obese went viral online. WKBT anchor Jennifer Livingston shared her thoughts on the overweight complaint during a four-minute response aimed directly at her attacker.
The letter writer called Livingston an unsuitable example for the community’s young people, the girls in particular, because her physical condition had not improved over the years. The weight watching viewer also added that she hopes the letter prompts the Wisconsin journalist to reconsider her responsibility as a La Crosse area television personality. When concluding her letter condemning Jennifer Livinsgton’s weight, she also noted the anchor should strive to promote a healthy lifestyle, the Daily Mail reports.
The obesity letter went viral after the attacked woman’s husband Mike Thompson, also a news anchor, posted it on his Facebook page. The loving spouse called the viewer’s comments infuriating and sick. Before sharing the morning news on Tuesday, Jennifer issued her heartfelt response to the letter which she initially attempted to just laugh off.
Jennifer Livingston had this to say to the viewer who judged her for allegedly not being a positive role model:
“The truth is, I am overweight. You can call me fat, and yes, even obese on a doctor’s chart. But to the person who wrote that letter to, do you think I don’t know that? That your cruel words are pointing our something that I don’t see? You don’t know me. You are not a friend of mine. You are not a part of my family, and you have admitted you don’t watch this show. You know nothing about me but what you see on the outside, and I am much more than a number on a scale.”
The Wisconsin news anchor also very aptly pointed out that October is anti-bullying month, a fact the journalist felt the obesity letter writer should spend a little time thinking about.
The WKBT journalist had this to say about bullying:
“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.”
She also noted the man’s words in the letter really mean nothing to her but added that there are children who can’t easily dismiss similar critical comments cast in their direction on daily basis. Jennifer Livingston received hundreds of messages from community members commending her for her courage, calling her televised message inspiring.
