Baltimore TV anchor ousted after question about African American female mayors

A Baltimore TV station has dismissed one of its anchors after she drew intense criticism for a question she posed about the race of the city’s past three mayors. 

Bubala confirmed her departure on Tuesday, saying in a statement on Facebook that “WJZ was forced to let me go” because of the mistake in the language she used on air. 

{mosads}”I am saddened and shocked by this decision,” Bubala said. “I fully intend to fight to restore my reputation because I’ve invested my heart and soul in my work and my city. Thank you Baltimore for all of your support during this difficult period of time. It means so much to me.”

Bubala’s dismissal came days after she appeared to link the race and gender of the last three Baltimore mayors after two resigned, while one decided not to pursue reelection.

“We’ve had three female, African-American mayors in a row,” Bubala said while speaking with Loyola University Maryland professor Karsonya “Kaye” Wise Whitehead. “They were all passionate public servants. Two resigned, though. Is this a signal that a different kind of leadership is needed to move Baltimore City forward?”

Soooooo this happened following the resignation of #Baltimore Mayor #CatherinePugh. URGH!‍♀️‍♂️‍♀️‍♂️ I’m not even sure I want to hear the excuse for this.  I’m cringing and cursing. (Reposting video from @AndreShowell) pic.twitter.com/DPZfdnedFP

— Nicki Mayo (@nickimayonews) May 3, 2019

Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh, an African American woman, resigned last week amid a scandal involving the selling of children’s books she wrote. 

The question Bubala posed drew swift backlash after Nicki Mayo, a former president of the Baltimore Association of Black Journalists (BABJ), posted a video of the segment on Twitter. 

Bubala shared an apology on Twitter last week. However BABJ demanded an an-air apology from the station, adding that the “question, apology, cultural disconnect and gender insensitivity lead to a growing question about WJZ’s commitment to responsible journalism.”

A sincere apology pic.twitter.com/gV4dz7CFkd

— Mary Bubala (@MaryWJZ) May 3, 2019

“Firing or letting her go does nothing to relieve the greater problem here,” Mayo told the Sun. “So, I don’t take any joy in another journalist not working.”

–Updated 2:43 p.m.