Leslie Horton, an on-screen reporter for Global News Calgary, has been praised because of her response to a body-shamer who congratulated her on her "pregnancy".
Horton, 59, was delivering the traffic report for the network when she became aware of an email that had been sent by a viewer regarding what she was wearing.
The newsreader saw red when she noticed the word "pregnancy" and clapped back at the viewer who had sent the email.
"I’m just going to respond to an email that I just got saying, ‘Congratulations on your pregnancy," she began. "If you’re gonna wear old bus driver pants then you have to expect emails like this."
Horton, who is not pregnant, does have a daughter and she tore into the viewer by revealing heartbreaking information about her medical history.
"So thanks for that," she began. "Um, no, I’m not pregnant. I actually lost my uterus to cancer last year. And um, this is what women of my age look like."
"So, if it’s offensive to you that is unfortunate," Horton concluded. "Think about the emails you send."
The network shared footage of the incident on social media, standing in solidarity with their reporter and viewers were quick to praise her response to the situation.
One person replied: "Ah yes. Grade 5. When we made fun of what others wear and lacked the judgement to know better.Cheers to you for beating cancer, Leslie. I hope you are doing well."
A second said: "Thank you for your classy response @global_leslie. I am sorry you had to respond to the silly individual. My support and respect."
A third added: "Wow! You’re amazing Leslie," while a fourth said: "This was possibly the most classy response to a classless email. I don't know how you kept your composure but we all benefit from taking this in. You're in a league of your own."
After seeing all of the positive messages Horton posted on X (formerly known as Twitter), saying: "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 Cookie Sale tomorrow!"
According to the New York Post, Horton was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in 2020 and often shared updates with her followers about her treatment.
Speaking to Today.com. Horton revealed that although she didn't name the person who sent the email, she is familiar with them.
"He’s reached out several times over the years, and his intent is always to humiliate and hurt me," she said. "We’re not supposed to respond to trolls — so I had no plans to address it, but then the words just came out of my mouth. I had this visceral reaction."
Horton has worked for Global News for 26 years.
She definitely handled the situation gracefully!
