It’s not the first time the anchor had landed in hot water for racially insensitive language.
A Mississisipi news anchor has found herself in hot water after using one of Snoop Dogg’s most famous lyrics in a live broadcast.
While discussing the rap icon’s collaboration with the wine company, 19 Crimes, WLBT journalist and meteorologist Barbie Bassett wrapped the segment up with a reference to Snoop’s early 2000s catchphrase, “Fo shizzle, my nizzle.”
Being a white woman, Bassett’s choice to quote the lyrics didn’t go down well with viewers.
Are we supposed to feel sorry for Barbie Bassett, Mississippi news anchor that recently fired for saying, "Fo shizzle, my nizzle" on air? Absolutely tf not. She was saying cringing stuff like "Grandmammy" just last year on the air. That news Channel was sick of her. BYE GIRL! pic.twitter.com/q8Utlmre5o
— I Witnessed The Renaissance 8/14 🪩 (@itsLiterallyHim) March 25, 2023
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While the station has not officially commented on the matter, the anchor of 20 years no longer appears on their website, where she was previously listed as a member of its news team.
Ted Fortenberry, the station’s regional vice president and general manager, told The Post in an emailed statement Saturday, “As I am sure you can understand, WLBT is unable to comment on personnel matters."
On-air employees also declined to comment, directing all questions to management.
It’s not the first time Bassett has been in trouble for racially insensitive language. In October 2022, after she referenced black reporter Carmen Poe’s “grandmammy” on air - which is a term that slaves would use for their grandmothers.
She later issued an apology to both Poe and the station's viewers.
“Last Friday on our newscast ‘Today at 11’, I used a term that was offensive to many in our audience and to my coworkers here at WLBT,” she said at the time.
“Though not intentional, I now understand how my comment was both insensitive and hurtful. I have apologised to Carmen Poe. Now, I would like to apologise to you. That is not the heart of who I am.”
She continued, “And for that, I humbly ask for your forgiveness and I apologise to everyone I have offended. I will learn from this and participate in training so I can better understand our history and our people.”
“I can’t mend the hurt my comment caused. I pray you’ll forgive me and that you’ll extend grace through this awful mistake.”
Mississippi news anchor Barbie Basset fired for saying “Fo Shizzle My Nizzle” live on air when discussing Snoop Dog new wine collection. She has been a news anchor at the company for over 20 years. 👀😳
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) March 25, 2023
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