TV anchor responds to viewer calling her fat

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Public figures are used to criticism, but one Wisconsin news anchor said a letter she received went too far.

Now her public response to her "bully" is getting national attention.

Jennifer Livingston decided to defend herself against a viewer who sent her an email saying her weight made her a bad example.

The letter said in part , “Obesity is one of the worst choices a person can make and one of the most dangerous habits to maintain. I leave you this note hoping that you will reconsider your responsibility as a local public personality to present and promote a healthy lifestyle."

During her morning newscast she said, “The truth is - I am overweight. You could call me fat and even obese on a doctor's chart. But to the person who wrote me that letter: do you think I don't know that? That your cruel words are pointing out something I don't see? You don't know me. You are not a friend of mine."

Her message has struck a chord in millions of people and she's become an internet and TV sensation.

Lindsay George, a student at Western New England Law School told 22News, “I was pretty proud of her for taking a stand."

WNE Law Professor Erin Buzuvis, who specializes in sexual orientation and gender identity issues, said, “I think that was such a great way to address the issues."

However, Jennifer says this isn't about her so-called bully, but about the issue in general.

A timely message as October is Anti-bullying Month.

Gabrielle Viator works in the Civil Rights Division of the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office.

She said, “If a parent is in front of the TV talking about a news anchor and her appearance obviously the children hear that and that's where they learn these behaviors."

Kristen Brierley said, “I really I felt like her response was professional and it was good for her to stand up and defend herself in such a positive way and I think that in doing that she is representing herself as a role model in comparison to the way the viewer said she wasn't a role model."

The viewer,  Kenneth Krause, is standing by his message.

He responded to the backlash saying, “Considering Jennifer Livingston's fortuitous position in the community, I hope she will finally take advantage of a rare and golden opportunity to influence the health and psychological well-being of Coulee region children by transforming herself for all of her viewers to see over the next year."