A pregnant Seattle meteorologist has hit back at critics who claimed her skintight outfit that showed off her baby bump during a live broadcast was “distracting” from viewers.
Seven-and-a-half months pregnant, Claire Anderson, a meteorologist for Seattle's Fox 13, shared with 10,000 viewers the humiliating emails she received. TikTok followers Early this month.
“Please, please, please, please put away the form-fitting dresses until after the birth,” a viewer named Kathy wrote to Anderson. “My mom's bump had grown so big that my overall appearance was distracting from my presentation.”
Kathy suggested to the TV host that it might be best to try “loose, flowy clothes” instead of the tight-fitting clothes the meteorologists wear on every broadcast.
“You have some of the best presentations on television and you deserve the attention of our viewers,” the message said.
The body shamer signed the email “very respectfully” to show he wasn't being rude.
Anderson is due to give birth in January 2025, which will be her first child with husband Garrett, whom she married in September 2023.
“Kathy, I appreciate that, but please remember that you should never comment on what a woman is wearing or how she looks,” Anderson said. “Especially when you're pregnant.”
Anderson then outlined the cream-colored, form-fitting, knee-length dress she wore, which became a lightning rod for negative comments.
In the video, Anderson accused Cassie of hating her appearance, saying: “I don't know, but here's the thing: She still has two months left.”
The Seattle native, who started working at the station in 2023, said she “felt great” when she picked out her dress, but was surprised when she returned to her desk after the show and found Kathy's email.
“I came back and saw that email and thought, 'Oh my God.' Really? That's bad.” Anderson said today.
Cathy's email wasn't the only one Anderson received criticizing Cathy's clothing, but it was the one that had the most impact.
Anderson recorded a short video on social media to spark conversation about women supporting women.
“In 2024, women support women, but we still receive the most disgusting emails from women,” she told the outlet.
Anderson criticized critics who comment on women's pregnant bodies because they don't know the full context of a woman's life.
“My message is, “Remember, folks, we're in a time and a place and a world where you don't have to comment on people's bodies unless you think they're great,'' Anderson said. “There's no need to comment unless someone asks me how I look.”
“Especially in this day and age, people are so open about fertility and pregnancy,” she added. “I don't know how long it took you to get pregnant. How difficult was it? Was it emotional? Was it difficult? Is the pregnancy going well? Is it difficult?”
Many comments on Anderson's original TikTok were positive and supportive of the television personality.
“I love when women wear their baby bumps loud and proud!!!” one comment read.
“Respectfully (or maybe not) I disagree with her. Show off that bump! ❤️❤️ Congratulations!!” another person wrote.
On Wednesday, Anderson was back in the studio, this time wearing a long-sleeved gold dress and showing off her bump in a photo posted to her Instagram Story.
