GMA's Robin Roberts Was Allegedly a Victim of Racist Remark from ABC News Executive
An ABC News Executive is currently under fire for allegedly making racist remarks about "Good Morning America" host Robin Roberts and other Black employees.
Over the past six months, interviews with over 34 anonymous sources were revealed by HuffPost to have had racist encounters with ABC News executive Barbara Fedida. Following the claims, she has been put on administrative leave since June 13, 2020.
Back in 2018, Fedida was reported to be against Roberts' request for a pay raise, saying it wasn't as if the network was asking the host to "pick cotton." Roberts is regarded as one of the world's best journalists, having won several awards for her journalism.
Robin Roberts on the set of "Good Morning America" | Source: Getty Images
FEDIDA'S RACIST REMARKS
The 2018 Roberts issue isn't the first time Fedida allegedly made racial remarks to her subordinates and has more than 12 complaints in her file. Despite these claims piling up through the years, she continued working with the network.
Fedida's camp denied all accusations against her, claiming she's "been a champion for increased diversity in network news."
With more facts exposed through recent reports, ABC News decided to release an on-air statement regarding the issue. They are currently conducting a thorough investigation regarding the matter while she is on administrative leave.
SOLIDARITY WITH ROBIN ROBERTS
Amid everything happening, anchors have expressed their solidarity with Robin Roberts. Co-anchors Dan Harris, Eva Pilgrim, and Whit Johnson have vocally shown their support to their colleague.
While on-air, Harris told viewers that as co-hosts, they wanted to make something clear - that was their respect and affection for their friend and colleague, Robin Roberts. Meanwhile, Fedida's camp denied all accusations against her, claiming she's "been a champion for increased diversity in network news."
FEDIDA'S EXTENSIVE RESUME
Fedida began working in ABC News in 1989 as a staffer for Peter Jennings. Since then, she's had promotions after promotions. After leaving the network for a stint at CBS News as an executive, she returned to ABC in 2011.
Since then, her behavior as an executive not limited to race has been discussed and questioned in the industry. Despite this, stories about her alleged conduct have been shut down in the past.
ROBIN'S MAIN FOCUS
Despite the issues surrounding her name, Roberts has remained positive through it all. In fact, she recently took the time to share a powerful message with her followers on Instagram about seeing the light in the darkness.
While speaking to her fans through a recorded video, she reminded them that everybody has the power to "keep your joy." She capped off her inspirational message with a prayer for peace.