An anchorwoman in Cincinnati is apologizing for calling MSNBC host Rachel Maddow an “angry young man.”
Tricia Macke, a weeknight anchor for Fox 19, wrote the comment on her Facebook page in October chastising Maddow’s signature short haircut. She stood by her comment, despite some commenters taking offense.
“Tricia, you’re showing your Fox,” commented one, “you are right. I’m sorry, I should’ve said ‘antagonistic,” responded Macke. It was part of a string of right-wing comments Macke made on her personal Facebook page before making it private over the weekend.
Two gay-rights organizations, GLAAD and Equality Ohio, caught wind of the comment Friday and demanded Macke apologize.
“Referring to Maddow as a ‘man’ because she is a gay woman is completely unacceptable for someone in the business of journalism,” wrote GLAAD in a statement, and called Fox 19’s owner, Raycom Media, to condemn Macke’s remarks.
Macke apologized late Friday night on her station-sponsored Facebook page, calling her remarks “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,” wrote Macke.
GLAAD and Equality Ohio posted Macke’s apology but was careful in fully accepting it. Instead the organizations persuaded her to use the moment to “shed light on the impact” of her anti-gay remarks. Macke’s post received 900 comments berating her for an “empty” apology.
“That’s as empty an apology as I’ve seen and someone told you what to say. I believe your comments do reflect your personal beliefs,” wrote Andy Lego. “Why else would you have said what you did? If I were your boss you’d be seeking other employment opportunities tomorrow.”
Photo via Tricia Macke WXIX/Facebook