Pregnant Anchor: Hate Mail About Maternity Apparel Prompts Gutsy Response


A pregnant weather anchor and mother of one soon learned — again — that her choice of maternity wear can overshadow the joys of motherhood, thanks to scores of cyberbullies and “fashion” critics. But this time around, the expecting Canadian anchor had a trick up her sleeve, and Thursday her gutsy response to hate mail went viral, according to an Independent news report.

Kristi Gordon, a meteorologist who anchors for Global BC, has experienced toxic criticism from viewers during her last pregnancy with her first child, who is not yet three-years-old. However, she is of the belief that nothing prepares one for hate mail and the stinging feeling that accompanies the negativity.

Before, several people left comments on social media about her tight-fitting clothing — and many wrote letters to the news station. Most admonished her for not being professional by covering up her growing baby bump. Some even attacked her person; she was called “hussy” by one person and accused of having a “gross” body by another. This time around, the pregnant anchor decided to take those who left hate mail head on. On a segment of News Hour Plus, Gordon decided to take high road by using her platform to read some of the sharp comments. She began with the letter that set things in motion.

“Nowhere on North American TV have we seen a weather reader as gross as you. Your front end looks like the Hindenburg and your rear end looks like a brick s**t-house. We now turn off Globel.”

Two of Gordon’s co-anchors were present: Squire Barnes and Robin Stickley. Barnes was first to chime in.”You know what? Good. If you’re going to diss us, please learn how to spell. Global is not G-L-O-B-E-L.” Other comments followed.

“Buy some decent clothes and have some respect for your unborn child. You’re not the first pregnant woman. OMG.”

“Looser tops would look much more professional.”

The hate-filled mail caused Gordon to take a closer look at herself. Despite her strong support system — and the fact that she survived the first wave of those who had strong aversions to her choice in clothing for expectant moms, Kristi was compelled to second-guess herself.

“I feel like I’m a pretty confident person, I wouldn’t be in this industry if I wasn’t. I don’t feel like this is affecting me, or has affected me.

“But I thought about some of the things I did last night; I checked the mirror to see how big I’m getting, I asked my husband, ‘Am I not seeing it? Am I getting really big?’

“It wasn’t until I went to bed that I realized that — despite us saying that these guys are crazy — it’s amazing that when you say something mean about someone it still affects them.”

Someone off-camera called those who were directing hurtful mail to the pregnant woman “bullies.” Her co-anchors, in a show of unity, spoke out against the authors of the hate mail. They both agreed that the words left by critics of their colleague’s choice of maternal wear, despite some which were well-intended, are hurtful.

Barnes said in Kristi’s defense, “if you’re gonna ‘hate,’ at least know how to spell.” Here, the quip was aimed at teasing one of the commenters for spelling the name of the “Global” wrong. In the final analysis, despite the deluge of spiteful mail, most responses were positive and lacking in judgement.

— Adrienne Muscat (@AMuscatPurrs) March 27, 2015

And with a resounding show of support in wake of the pregnant weather anchor receiving hate mail, Global BC released a statement.

“To all viewers, thanks for all your feedback. We’ve read them all. We support Kristi, her wardrobe choices and all women who work while pregnant.”

[Photo by Alexander Koerner/Getty Images for Galeries Lafayette]

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