A Detroit news anchor has resigned after she was caught making a racist comment to a colleague. Lauren Podell, a local reporter at NBC in Michigan, allegedly used the n-word whilst in conversation with a co-worker last week.
She reportedly told the producer that she was “tired of reporting on these n*****s killing each other in Detroit.” The 31 year old resigned after word of the incident got to top brass at the TV station.
A company-wide email from Vice President and General Manager, Marla Drutz, was leaked to Huffington Post reporter Philip Lewis, who subsequently shared it via Twitter. The email read:
“I wanted to let you know that Lauren Podell has resigned from WDIV effective immediately. Lauren asked me to convey the following: “During my time at WDIV I have created many friendships that I will continue to cherish”. If you receive any media inquiries please forward them to Jamie or me. Thanks.”
Bet, RIP your career then. Lauren Podell has resigned. pic.twitter.com/qHqbEGZ7rT
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) November 17, 2016
Sam Riddle, a ex-chief of staff for former Detroit City Councilwoman Monica Conyers, tweeted his disdain at the incident, and stated that he had organized demonstrations to protest racism as a “systemic issue,” as well as the news outlet’s “racist cover up.”
#LaurenPodell just resigned from #WDIV We will still demonstrate at 11AM tomorrow due2 #SystemicIssues #RacistCoverUp #NoTransparency pic.twitter.com/pVoP7U6vj9
— samriddle (@samriddle) November 17, 2016
Podell is no stranger to controversy. Back in 2013, the reporter swore live on air, exclaiming “I don’t know when we’re going, neither does Jim, I can’t get this f***ing in there!”
