The fallout continues for Cleveland's Fox 8 in the Morning anchor Kristi Capel, who on Monday, Feb. 23, made the potentially career-ending mistake of using a racial slur on air. While doing an Oscar recap with co-anchor Wayne Dawson for the Fox affiliate, Capel praised Lady Gaga's performance by saying she usually cannot hear her voice because of the "jigaboo music" she uses. In case Capel did not offend people the first time, she then used the word a second time to really drive home her point, and boy, did viewers get it. In spite of issuing an apology, the reaction has been so bad Capel has been suspended from the air.
The Tribune Company, which owns Fox 8 News, has been using the DMCA to force various sites to take down clips of Capel's misspeak, but that has not been enough to stop the backlash. The general consensus is both logical and widespread that if you are in the business of speaking, you simply cannot make such an insulting error without swift punishment.
On Wednesday, Feb. 25, it was announced on air that Capel will sit out the remainder of this week and there is no solid word on her official status with the station. They also have not confirmed if this suspension is without pay or if Capel will ever return.
Fox 8 issued another statement Wednesday, acknowledging the onslaught of negativity that Capel's comment has caused.
"This incident has prompted thousands of social media comments and emails from across the viewing area and the nation. Unlike many who have commented, co-anchor Wayne Dawson and many of us at Fox 8 have the advantage of knowing Kristi Capel personally and her work in our community. It is for that reason that we join with the pastors she met with on Tuesday to begin the process of forgiveness and healing," explained Fox 8.
Obviously the affiliate is hoping that a few days off the air will be enough to distance Capel from her inflammatory words. Do you think that will be the case, or are her days at Fox 8 essentially over? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.
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