Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) gave her first annual address to the state on Tuesday focusing on infrastructure, education and bipartisanship to reach effective solutions. But a local TV station chose to focus more on Whitmer’s curves in her dress. It’s “a cheap, sexist and indefensible shot at a strong woman in leadership,” said State Democratic Party Chairwoman Lavora Barnes.
Detroit Fox affiliate Fox 2 published an article basically reporting on the sexist and misogynistic comments made about Whitmer as her speech was live streamed on Facebook.
Reporters then did live interviews asking people what they thought of her clothing. “She kinda looked like she was pregnant a little bit,” a man said.
Fox 2 did get comments from people who defended Whitmer’s choice of clothing. One woman said, the dress was “fitting, but she looked nice. I didn’t see anything wrong with it.”
However, the broadcast included screenshots of the crude comments on Facebook posted by trolls.
In a series of tweets, Whitmer, who defeated her Republican opponent Bill Schuette in November’s midterm election, slammed discussions of her appearance:
Boys have teased me about my curves since 5th grade. My mom said hold your head high and don’t let it bother you.”
That @Fox2News story was way out of line.
I’m tough, I can take it.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@gretchenwhitmer) February 14, 2019
In my speech I was encouraging people to see the humanity in one another in this cruel political environment. In an era when so many women are stepping up to lead, I’m hoping people will focus on our ideas and accomplishments instead of our appearance.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@gretchenwhitmer) February 14, 2019
Until then, I’ve got a message for all of the women and girls like mine who have to deal with garbage like this every day: I’ve got your back.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@gretchenwhitmer) February 14, 2019
FOX 2 News Director Kevin Roseborough issued a seemingly unapologetic statement. Roseborough said, in part:
“FOX 2 broadcast and streamed the speech live. We were taken aback by the number and nature of many inappropriate Facebook comments on the governor’s physical appearance.”
“We chose not to ignore the comments, and to instead examine them through person-on-the-street interviews and an expert’s opinion on the double standard faced by female leaders. This is not a subject that should be turned away from, and we have extended an invitation to the governor to talk to us about this further.”
Barnes tweeted on Thursday that Fox 2 needs to take the story down:
While Gov. @gretchenwhitmer focused her address on solving real problems, #Fox2News published anonymous comments from ppl trying to degrade her looks. It’s a cheap, sexist & indefensible shot at a strong woman in leadership. @FOX2News needs to take down their story immediately. pic.twitter.com/WSwuTr4K4D
Lavora Barnes (@LavoraBarnes) February 14, 2019
Related Story: Republican Official Tries to Shame Sen. Krysten Sinema for Wearing a Dress
Another recently elected Democrat, Sen. Krysten Sinema (D-Ariz.), was ridiculed by Alabama State Auditor Jim Ziegler in a Facebook post last month. Ziegler disliked a dress Sinema chose to wear on the Senate floor. The post incurred misogynistic comments as well. Republicans have called Sinema ” Senator Barbie Doll” and “Senator Madonna.”