Gay News Anchor Fired After Filing Discrimination Complaint
- posted from www.365gay.com
Openly-gay news anchor Charles Perez has been fired from Miami television news station WPLG (ABC affiliate) after he filed a discrimination complaint against the station claiming he was demoted due to his sexuality.
The news station claims his allegations are “false and outrageous” and they had “no real choice” but to let him go.
According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, “Perez filed a discrimination complaint July 31 with Miami-Dade County’s Equal Opportunity Board, claiming the station demoted him after publicity over a bitter breakup with his male partner.”
A personal email of Perez’s that had been sent to his therapist in which he talked about his gender identity issues was forwarded to everyone in his address book the Advocate reports. After claiming he was told he was “lacking a masculine on-camera persona,” Perez said was demoted.
Station Vice President and News Director Bill Pohovey, who is also openly gay, has said that Perez’s complaint is unfounded.
“As a gay man myself, I can safely say the station does not discriminate against gay people,” said Pohovey.
Perez’s attorney has announced that he plans to add a retaliation charge to his complaint.
