All Articles Tagged "fired"
Update: News Anchor Drops An F-Bomb On Live TV, Gets Fired On First Day, Gets On The “Today” Show
Screenshot of AJ Clemente on his first/last day of work
Broadcast reporter A.J. Clemente had his first and last day on the air over the weekend.
While preparing for his debut on North Dakota NBC station KFYR, he didn’t realize he was on a live mike. Nerves clearly getting the best of him, he could be heard saying “F*****g s**t” just as his co-anchor Van Tieu was kicking off the 10pm broadcast. At first, he was suspended for the slip. Then he was fired. Apologies came from all sides, including Clemente, who has taken to his Twitter account to reassure everyone that he’s taking it in stride and to thank everyone for the support.
But the question is whether the punishment is bigger than the crime. Yes, it’s live TV and totally unprofessional. But it’s also really funny (clip below). And clearly, the guy wasn’t going to make it a habit to use this kind of language during the broadcast. When you hire young people to do big jobs, there’s bound to be a mishap or two. Heck, when you hire old people to do a job, mistakes will be made. A slap on the wrist probably would’ve been sufficient.
But what do you think? Should AJ have been given another chance?
Update: Our rookie reporter of the week, AJ Clemente, made an appearance this morning on the Today show, where he talked about the circumstances surrounding his disastrous first evening on the air in North Dakota. Turns out it was a “storm” of different things that set up the now infamous clip, and Clemente says he fully expected to be fired for the mishap. But, because when you go viral things happen, he got the chance to tease some upcoming segments during his morning show appearance. That’s a resume booster if ever there was one.
It should also be noted that in a poll of Today show viewers, more than 86 percent said they don’t think AJ should’ve been fired. He’ll be back in the studio in no time, we predict.
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It’s A Hard Knock Life Foreal: Homeless Woman Fired From Job Before Ever Starting
A KFC franchise in Tupelo, Mississippi is in some hot water over the hiring and firing of 59 year-old Eunice Jasica. Once a former bus driver and department store security associate, Jasica fell on hard times becoming homeless in December 2012. She lost her job, home, and livelihood, and in efforts to get back on her feet, Jasica found housing at a nearby Salvation Army where she applied for employment eventually landing an offer earlier this month in food prep.
Her hopes of a new start however would quickly dwindle as franchise owner Chesley Ruff informed her upon arrival for duty she would not have employment with the fast food chain. “He told me to come back when I had an address and transportation,” notes Jasica. “But how am I supposed to get all that without a job?”
Why would the general manager offer employment to a homeless woman for the franchise owner to fire her? The Clarion-Ledge reports Ruff claimed he never extended employment though signed documents from the general manager prove otherwise.
Since the story broke, Ruff’s story has changed citing fear of commitment due to lack of proper housing and transportation. Then he altered his excuse yet again saying Jasica had no prior food prep experience and was “too elderly” to possibly perform necessary duties.
Perhaps Ruff would have been better off not saying anything at all? Do you think he has justified concerns, or has a wrongful termination suit on his hands?
So That’s How It Went Down? Former EIC of Essence Constance White Says She Was Fired
Adriana M. Barraza/WENN.com
There are always three sides to a story: his, hers and the truth. Former Essence editor-in-chief Constance White has decided to put her truth out first.
In a recent phone conversation with Journal-isms, White says she was fired from her position as EIC and that the job was never what she expected when she was hired in 2011.
“I went in there with passion and excitement and high expectations. It wasn’t what I expected at all. What needs to happen is the reader is getting lost and the reader has to be at the center. To make their world smaller is unacceptable.”
White added that readers have sensed what’s been going on behind the scenes for quite some time.
She also said that a lot of her issues came from her disagreements with Time, Inc editor-in-chief Martha Nelson. White said Nelson actively worked to limit the voice of black women:
“When was the last time you saw Essence in the community advocating for or talking with Black women?”
Welp. If you listen to the conversations of black women about Essence, there is almost always a discussion about the portrayal in the magazine and how “desperate” they make women seem.
White also says she was never able to make the creative hires she desired to better the publication. In January, White says she and Nelson had a “straw that broke the camel’s back” moment and she was told to leave her position. When she asked if this was something they could discuss, White says Nelson told her the final decision had already been made.
Michelle Ebanks, president of Essence Communications Inc., released the following statement on Friday:
“We truly wish Constance well. Essence exists to affirm and inspire Black women. We always have and we always will.”
Finally, White says although she is concerned with how Essence will continue to maintain its position in the publication world, she wishes it all the best.
Wow. What do you think about all this? Have you noticed changes in Essence over the last few years? Have they been positive or negative?
You Better Check That ‘Tude If You Want A Paycheck! Celebs Who Got Fired for Their Attitudes
Life at a 9 to 5 can be rough. When the boss is on you and your co-workers stay on some mess, it’s hard to hold your tongue. And apparently, your job can be tough even if you’re living the dream and getting paid six or more figures. The next time you think about poppin’ off at the mouth, remember what happened to these celebrities who couldn’t hold their tongues.
Image Source: WENN.com
Stacey Dash
Word on the street is that Stacey’s diva mentality is the reason she hasn’t been on screen in a hot minute. In early March 2012, there were rumors that Stacey was fired from the movie Supremacy for disrespecting producers and replaced by Lela Rochon. Later that same month, In Touch Weekly reported that Stacey was asked not to return for Season 2 of Single Ladies, despite high ratings, because she “feuded with the cast, canceled promos and caused entirely too much drama.”
All Of This Because Of An Afro?!: Meteorologist Fired After Defending Her Hair On Facebook
Source: wcpo.com
Apparently, it’s pretty hard out here for a black woman trying to make it in this world as a meteorologist. Rhonda Lee has learned this lesson over and over again in her career as a journalist. Most recently she learned that in addition to her race, her hair was another point of contention from a Facebook user. Her response to the racially offensive statement eventually led to Lee being fired from KTBS, the ABC affiliate station in Shreveport, Louisiana.
It all started on October 1, when Emmit Vascocu commented on KTBS’ Facebook page, questioning the station’s choice to let Lee report the weather with a short afro. Here’s what he had to say:
“the black lady that does the news is a very nice lady.the only thing is she needs to wear a wig or grow some more hair. im not sure if she is a cancer patient. but still its not something myself that i think looks good on tv. what about letting someone a male have waist long hair do the news. what about that (cq).”
As someone who works for a black women’s website, I can say that these comments are not uncommon. When people are afforded anonymity through the internet, some very hateful, often racist things are stated. But just because you work for the media, doesn’t mean you have to just shut up and take the abuse. So in defense of herself and her hair, Rhonda Lee responded to Vascocu, very politely if you ask me.
“Hello Emmitt–I am the ‘black lady’ to which you are referring. I’m sorry you don’t like my ethnic hair. And no I don’t have cancer. I’m a non-smoking, 5’3, 121 lbs, 25 mile a week running, 37.5 year old woman, and I’m in perfectly healthy physical condition. “I am very proud of my African-American ancestry which includes my hair. For your edification: traditionally our hair doesn’t grow downward. It grows upward. Many Black women use strong straightening agents in order to achieve a more European grade of hair and that is their choice. However in my case I don’t find it necessary. I’m very proud of who I am and the standard of beauty I display. Women come in all shapes, sizes, nationalities, and levels of beauty. Showing little girls that being comfortable in the skin and HAIR God gave me is my contribution to society. Little girls (and boys for that matter) need to see that what you look like isn’t a reason to not achieve their goals. Conforming to one standard isn’t what being American is about and I hope you can embrace that. Thank you for your comment and have a great weekend and thank for watching.”
The conversation should have ended there; but Vascocu responded with this:
“. . . this world has . . . certain standerd (cq). if you’ve come from a world of being poor are you going to dress in rags?. . .”
Do I really have to break down everything that’s wrong with the logic above? Is accepting a classist, societal station the same as accepting and embracing the natural, genetic combinations that make us appear the way we do? I think not. Moving on. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the last time, a viewer used the station’s Facebook page to address what they felt was a racial “issue.”
Nicci Gilbert Was Too Much Diva For “R&B Divas:” Word Is She’s Officially Been Booted
Source: AP Images
A couple of months ago, rumors were spreading that Nicci Gilbert’s time as an “R&B Diva” was rapidly coming to a close as her real-life diva attitude was proving to be too much for her fellow producers and castmates. Now The YBF is claiming to have confirmation that those rumors are true and Nicci has officially been nixed from the cast.
Though ”R&B Divas” has become a success for TV ONE, TheYBF.com has learned that former Brownstone member and show co-creator, Nicci Gilbert, was given the axe. A source from the show’s executive production team told us that market research they conducted showed that viewers just didn’t connect to Nicci. In fact, we were told that 95% of those polled said that Nicci was their LEAST favorite diva. WOMP.
Apparently the production team doesn’t want to publicly announce the firing until Nicci’s replacement — which has been rumored to be singer Kelly Price — has already been put in place. Though that news hasn’t been confirmed yet, what does seem to be set in stone is an L.A. spinoff of “R&B Divas” whose cast is said to be announced soon.
As for Nicci’s fate, I imagine the creative team will do what was expected when this rumor first hit the web — pay her a producer credit and cancel her talent contract. From her twitter timeline, you wouldn’t guess she’d just been fired though. The singer has been tweeting all sorts of pro-”R&B Divas” messages all day. Guess she didn’t see the writing on the wall.
Is/was Nicci your least favorite diva on the show?
Confusion On The BBWLA Set: Gloria Knows Why She’s Fired, Brooke Says She’s Not Going Anywhere
Source: WENN
Over the weekend, news broke that that “complete makeover” Shaunie alluded to for the “Basketball Wives LA” cast was pretty much a go. Producers were reportedly said to be firing Gloria and Laura Govan, Malaysia Pargo, and Brooke Bailey, keeping the crazy that is Jackie Christie, Draya, and cast newbie Bambi for good measure.
By now, the news, of course, has reached the cast members and two of them seem to have very different reactions to the pink slip rumor. Confirming the report that she was getting fired over her secret summer wedding, Gloria seems to not be shocked at all by this information. Brooke, on the other hand, is crying BS.
TMZ caught up with Gloria to ask how she felt about the news and she said:
“I kind of had a feeling because producers and I weren’t really on the same page from the get-go…
“It was a conscious decision not to put my relationship out there since day one and I guess my real life wasn’t as exciting as it was supposed to be.”
At least she knows she’s boring. As far as VH1 producers being mad they weren’t invited to tape the wedding, Gloria said “There were a lot of people who weren’t invited.” Interestingly, Gloria says the network has been sending out constant emails telling cast members they aren’t actually fired but she figures that’s just a ploy to get the ladies to attend the reunion and cause drama more than 1 million people would be interested in watching. So far she hasn’t decided whether she’s down for that or not.
In video vixen land, Brooke Bailey has a totally different take on this rumor. In an interview with Hip Hollywood she simply said of the news:
“If they weren’t rumors talking about me then I wouldn’t be doing my job right. I mean, it’s a rumor. I’m definitely confident that I’ll be returning for anything that I wanna return to.”
Translation: If I’m fired I’ll be able to spin this and claim I just didn’t want to come back.
Meanwhile, VH1 has finally put out a statement on their blog, saying:
“The time has come to set the record straight. We can officially tell you all that despite the widespread reports, none of them are true. There have been absolutely no casting decisions made regarding the next season of the show.”
Hmmm. Perhaps Gloria should settle down then.
Did Tami Roman Eff Up Her Job With Sister 2 Sister Over A Lie?
Source: Vibe.com
Tami may still have her job on “Basketball Wives” for now, but she’s just lost another on. Not long ago, Sister 2 Sister magazine made Tami and her daughter columnists but now that she’s effed that up she can kiss that gig goodbye.
In a clip from the last episode of the show, Tami went in on Jennifer and tells her she knows she was talking ish about Evelyn because she did it in an interview for Sister 2 Sister and the mag’s publisher, Jamie Foster Brown, personally told her. That obviously doesn’t speak too well for the magazine’s journalistic ethics, which is why they hurried up and cleared up that rumor—and fired Tami. Here’s what they said in a statement:
“Contrary to what you may have heard, Sister 2 Sister did not send a transcript to a member of the “Basketball Wives” cast.
“On the season 4 finale of “Basketball Wives” it was implied that Sister 2 Sister gave Tami Roman a transcript of a conversation that Publisher Jamie Foster Brown had with Tami’s co-star Jennifer Williams. We would like to state that those accusations are wrong.
“There is no transcript of the exchange that we believe Tami is talking about at the 14:25 mark. We never had that talk typed out because it was off the record. Simply put, Tami could not have read a copy of the chat because it does not exist.
“S2S did post a story that included comments Jennifer made during her exchange with Jamie, which was republished by a number of sites. It is possible that Tami was referring to one of those postings.”
Oh and one more thing:
“We would also like to inform our readers that Tami is no longer writing an advice column for our magazine. The last edition of “Ask Tami & Lyric” is in the June 2012 issue of Sister 2 Sister.”
Hilarious. VH1 might be down for the bull and the lies, but Sister 2 Sister is not. There’s nothing like reduced income to make a person change their ways. Get the message Tams.
Here’s the full episode of the last season to check out her altercation with Jen. Did you pick up on Tami saying she had inside info from the mag?
Get More:
Basketball Wives (Season 4), Basketball Wives 4
Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.
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Teacher Reportedly Fired for Supporting Trayvon Martin Fundraiser at School
Source: Washingtonexaminer.com
A Pontiac Academy for Excellence Middle School Detroit woman has been fired from her position as a literature teacher and she doesn’t know why, besides the fact that she supported a student-suggested fundraiser for Trayvon Martin.
According to the SPLC, a national civil rights group, Harris’ eighth-grade journalism students asked her about the death of the teen and she gave them an editorial-writing assignment on the shooting. Wanting to do more, the students suggested a fundraiser where they each could pay $1 to wear hoodies instead of school uniform for a day—a typical effort that’s done at the school.
The 26-year-old teacher said she approached school administrators “through the chain of command” and did everything “by the book” but Superintendent Jacqueline Cassell rejected the idea. As Harris was in the process of explaining the decision to the students, she was called for a meeting with Cassell and suspended for encouraging the students to make their request in person.
“I didn’t tell the kids, ‘Let’s go and do it anyway.’” Harris said. “I was actually, literally, in the process of talking to my kids about what we could do instead when (Cassell) requested the meeting with me and told me that I needed to let it go.”
During the two-day suspension, Harris was already scheduled to run another fundraiser, which she says she organized with her own money, so she didn’t want to miss it. But when she visited the school to drop off the prizes, Cassell suspended her for an additional two weeks without pay. After protesting the suspension, she was fired for “insubordination.”
Cassell has only spoken on the situation to say:
“I’m a child of the civil rights movement,” but “this is not the time in the school year” to distract students from academics.
“In every situation, there are work rules,” she added. “When rules are violated, there are consequences.”
From that quote it’s hard to tell whether the firing is more about following a suspension rule or trying to rally support for Trayvon Martin. Unfortunately, the school missed a teachable moment by believing discussion around a real-life event that’s likely to have a greater impact on these children’s lives than some of the things being taught in school is an academic distraction.
Dawud Walid, executive director of the Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said the Academy’s decision was a “travesty” during a news conference yesterday morning at King Solomon Baptist church before a rally held for the teacher.
“It taught the students who tried to organize and tried to raise their voice in terms of social justice that they will be repressed. Instead of empowering our children … the Pontiac Academy is actually teaching children to internalize oppression and internalize racism.”
Harris says she hasn’t decided whether she wants to proceed with legal action against the school that she says she still loves. Right now she just wants an explanation.
“Whenever I discipline a kid in my classroom, I make sure they know what they did wrong,” she said.
Do you think Brooke Harris was rightfully fired over her suspension or did it have more to do with the Trayvon Martin fundraiser?
Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.
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Sheree’s $750K Salary Demand Likely Got Her Cut
Poptower.com
Neither Bravo nor Sheree Whitfield have confirmed rumors that she won’t be returning for the next season of the “Real Housewives of Atlanta,” but Sister 2 Sister magazine has reached out to some of its inside sources and they claim Sheree’s salary demands are what caused Bravo to wave bye-bye.
It seems Sheree was after that Nene Leakes money, asking the producers to significantly increase her salary to be comparable to the $750,000 her “very rich” castmate brings in. There’s no word on what Sheree’s current pay is/was but apparently it’s too far from that figure for the producers to even consider. Not confirming whether the rumor is true, one insider said:
“If she’s dropped … she’s in a f***ed up place right now.
“The way Bravo operates is that they don’t tell you [anything]. So, I don’t know. I heard people talking about it, but until one of the producers tells me, I don’t know it for a fact.”
I’d thought from this season’s episodes that Nene and Sheree were sort of in a “we agree to disagree” space and were done beefing with each other, but from a sneak peak of the upcoming reunion shown on “Watch What Happens Live” last night, these two are clearly still on very bad terms. It makes sense Sheree would want to match ends with her top rival’s bank account (especially after that Aston Martin repossession) but from the sounds of things that’s not gone happn’. Unfortunately for Sheree, she’s really the only housewife who doesn’t have anything else going on outside of the show, unless you count her She for Sheree fashion line. I’m feeling like this source right now, who said:
“Once it’s over, you gotta have money coming in. She had four years to be on [‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’]. She couldn’t come up with something? She didn’t put no money away?”
Apparently not.
On another note, am I the only one shocked Nene is making $750K off of this show?
Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.
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