An ABC meteorologist has alleged that she was fired from her job for not straightening her hair and for being a ‘size 12’ rather than a ‘size two.’
Tabitha Bartoe, 22, from Knoxville, Tennessee, was ecstatic when she landed her dream role as a weekend morning weather anchor for ABC affiliate WATE 6 On Your Side back in February.
But only four months later, she announced that she was no longer working for the publication – and she hinted that she had been axed due to her ‘appearance.’
In a message shared to her Twitter account earlier this week, Tabitha revealed that her time at WATE had ‘come to a close’ – while reminding people that ‘everyone is beautiful in their own ways,’ and encouraging her followers to embrace their ‘natural’ beauty.
An ABC meteorologist has alleged that she was fired from her job for not straightening her hair and for being a ‘size 12’ rather than a ‘size two’
Tabitha Bartoe, 22, from Knoxville, Tennessee, was ecstatic when she landed her dream role as a weekend morning weather anchor for ABC affiliate WATE 6 On Your Side back in February
But only four months later, she announced that she was no longer working for the publication – and she hinted that she had been axed due to her ‘appearance’
In a message shared to her Twitter account earlier this week, Tabitha revealed that her time at WATE had ‘come to a close’ – while encouraging her followers to embrace their ‘natural’ beauty
She said looks ‘should not play a large circumstance in your job,’ and insisted that curly hair is just as ‘professional’ as straight.
She said looks ‘should not play a large circumstance in your job,’ and insisted that curly hair is just as ‘professional’ as straight
‘When I went to college, I was told that you will hear negative things about you and you have to ignore it,’ she began in the lengthy note.
‘I hope that in the future, we all learn to appreciate and accept people for who they are, for their appearance, and for their style.
‘Everyone is beautiful and professional in their own ways. No matter if you have curly hair, or if you’re not a size two, but a size 12.
‘You matter, and people’s comments should not let you down. It should not play as a large circumstance in your job.
‘If you have natural curls, embrace them and be proud of your natural hair. It is professional.’
Tabitha, who received her bachelor’s degree from Valparaiso University and her master’s from University of North Dakota, explained that this was her ‘first job out of college’ and that she was ‘extremely excited’ about it.
‘I’m so appreciative of the Storm Team, the digital producers, the rest of the air talent, and everyone in the control room,’ she continued.
Tabitha (seen with her co-stars) explained that this was her ‘first job out of college’ and that she was ‘extremely excited’ about it
‘I’m so appreciative of the Storm Team,’ she continued. ‘They were the ones that kept spirits lifted and things positive, even if the circumstances with management were not great’
‘They were the ones that kept spirits lifted and things positive, even if the circumstances with management were not great.’
The weatherwoman concluded with a quote from Frank Sinatra, writing, ‘The best is yet to come. I can’t wait to share with you my next adventure.’
DailyMail.com has reached out to ABC’s WATE 6 On Your Side for comment.
Tabitha’s heartbreaking message quickly got a lot of traction online, gaining more than 10,000 views and sparking a slew of responses from people who came to her defense.
NY1 anchor Kristen Shaughnessy reposted it and added, ‘Not a good look @6News. Did you fire Tabitha because she wouldn’t straighten her hair? Did you think because she is young she wouldn’t speak up?’
Tabitha’s heartbreaking message quickly got a lot of traction online, gaining more than 10,000 views and sparking a slew of responses from people who came to her defense
‘It’s so sad to see women being treated like this over their natural hair and looks,’ someone else wrote.
‘@6News made a really, really poor decision,’ read a third tweet, while a fourth said, ‘I am so sorry to learn you are no longer on WATE.
‘Please do not give up if this is your dream. You are a true pleasure to watch and a bright light in the world.’
Another person added: ‘I’m sorry to hear that. It’s their loss and another’s gain. Looking forward to hearing about your next adventure.’
‘Absolute horse crap move by your employer,’ a different user raged. ‘You have naturally curly hair which accentuates your facial features.’
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