An anchorwoman in Baltimore is no longer employed after questioning Black women mayors in Baltimore. During a segment on WJZ-TV, Mary Bubala conducted an on-air interview with Karsonya “Kaye” Wise Whitehead, a professor at Loyola University in Maryland.
The two were discussing the political fallout of Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh, who recently resigned due to issues involving her self-published book. Pugh allegedly used the book as a way to gain funds in exchange for political favors.
Other Black female Baltimore mayors, Sheila Dixon and Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, also faced controversy while leading the city.
In setting up her question to Whitehead, Bubala, who is a White female, made a generalization about the Black women who served as mayor.
“We’ve had three female, African-American mayors in a row,” Bubala said. “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?”
The controversial question eventually went viral on social media as many users blasted Bubala for her statement.
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
Bubala was fired by WJZ-TV.
“Mary Bubala is no longer a WJZ-TV employee. The station apologizes to its viewers for her remarks,” the news organization said in a statement.
Bubala eventually apologized for her statement.
“Last week I realized I made a mistake in the language I used on air,” Bubala said in a Twitter statement. “I immediately apologized for any hurt I unintentionally caused. I received immediate support from WJZ because they knew it was not in my heart to intentionally cause this kind of harm. I wanted to do an on-air apology but was not allowed. I hope that the people of Baltimore know that I would never do anything to hurt anyone. Unfortunately, I now stand in the path of the tornado. WJZ was forced to let me go. I am saddened and shocked by this decision. Baltimore City has been my home for 25 years and I treasure and am so grateful for the relationships I have made with the people of Baltimore during this time. 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.”
