A TV news anchor has been praised for how she handled an insensitive comment from a viewer live on air.
Canadian TV host Leslie Horton took a strong stand against body shaming during a live broadcast on Global News Calgary - turning a viewer's ignorant and derogatory comment into a moment of empowerment and awareness.
During the broadcast on November 30, Horton read aloud an email she had received from a viewer that said: "Congratulations on your pregnancy. If you're going to wear old bus driver pants, you have to expect emails like this."
In a poised and powerful response, Horton clarified: "No, I'm not pregnant. I actually lost my uterus to cancer last year, and this is what women of my age look like.
"So, if it's offensive to you, that is unfortunate. Think about the emails you send."
This emotionally charged moment was quickly commended on social media, with one X user writing: "So proud of you for speaking out & publicly shaming that loser. I’m so sick of the people who think they have some right to comment on women’s bodies or insult other people.
"People like that have the weakest of character & to see you stand you for yourself was really empowering."
A second person tweeted: "I heard what happened on @XL103Calgary this morning, you’re a trooper Leslie with all you’ve gone through and your spirits are still positive! Such an inspiration! Sending hugs to you."
"Happy to hear you are shaking it off…not worth thinking about it. You’re the best," replied a third.
The moment was also captured and shared on TikTok, where it quickly went viral, amassing over 420,000 views and more than 50,000 likes. TikTok users also expressed their support and admiration for Horton's handling of the situation, with one TikTok user commenting: "I loved her response! Who in their right mind feels they need to criticize like this? Love you, Leslie Horton."
While another added: "What makes people think they can say what they want to just because they're hiding behind a screen!? Leslie handled that like a boss."
The support for Horton extended beyond TikTok, with numerous users on X (formerly known as Twitter) also showing their solidarity. Horton, acknowledging the overwhelming support, expressed her gratitude in a tweet: "Thanks for all your kind messages this morning. It took me hours to stop shaking... but I'm shaking it off and setting up for [a] cookie sale tomorrow!"
Sadly, this incident highlights the ongoing issue of body shaming and the scrutiny that many public figures, especially women in the media, often face regarding their appearance. Fortunately, Horton's response serves as a powerful reminder of the need for empathy and respect, both in and out of the public eye.
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