WDIV-Channel 4 news reporter Lauren Podell has resigned after allegedly using the N-word in an off-air conversation with a coworker.
WDIV Vice President Marla Drutz said in an email that the incident happened six months ago, and “it was investigated swiftly and thoroughly and appropriate action was taken.”
Podell’s alleged use of the racial slur came to the attention of Rev. W.J. Rideout when his friend, Sam Riddle, who is a media teacher, posted about overhearing Podell say, “I am tired of reporting on these N—–s killing one another in Detroit.”
However, Drutz said that the quote was not entirely accurate.
“Nevertheless, a situation did occur more than six months ago, when an unacceptable off-air comment was made by a reporter in front of a co-worker, but not as quoted on social media,” she said.
She also spoke to the Free Press on Monday, saying, “As also mentioned, the original social media post was not an accurate quote and it suggested that our reporter made those specific remarks on-air. This is untrue. You also asked if any action was taken against her and yes, action was taken. However, as you can understand this is a personnel matter.”
However, Rideout is still calling for a boycott because of Podell’s comments.
“In the Trump-orchestrated era that we’re in now, this is a dehumanizing word of torment. That’s why, even though she resigned, we’re still going to protest” on Thursday, Rideout said.
“She is a news reporter and supposed to be concerned about the community. If you’re going to work with black people, Latinos, Jews, what have you, you’re supposed to be able to work without bias.”