Taryn Asher, a veteran anchor at Detroit’s Fox 2, has been let go after raising concerns about unfair treatment in the newsroom, according to her attorney. He describes the station’s rationale for her firing—alleged “newsroom conduct”—as absurd and argues that it stems from sex discrimination.
Matthew Turner, Asher’s lawyer, stated that while the station claims her behavior led to her dismissal, she believes she was pushed out due to issues of unequal treatment compared to her male peers.
This dismissal marks the end of a challenging period for Asher, who has anchored WJBK-TV’s evening newscasts for many years.
Asher has not been on air since November, and her sudden absence has left many guessing, with neither she nor station officials providing clarity on the situation.
Backstage, Turner mentioned that Asher, 50, voiced concerns about being treated differently than her male counterparts regarding work assignments and schedules.
He asserts that those complaints prompted retaliation, culminating in her termination.
Asher has lodged a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), asserting that she was treated “less favorably” than similarly situated male staff and that she faced repercussions for speaking out.
Her complaint includes allegations that the station reduced her responsibilities and initiated an unfounded investigation into her conduct.
Turner has indicated that Asher is seeking to be reinstated or compensated financially and is prepared to pursue legal avenues if needed.
In February, Asher noted that she was dealing with “unforeseen work-related issues” while also revealing the finalization of her divorce from Jason Kerr, a former TV personality.
The couple, who met while both worked at a Flint station, have a daughter and were married for nearly 20 years.
Kerr himself faced controversy regarding his exit from local television, having been fired from WDIV-TV after making derogatory comments about colleagues during a broadcast, leading to multiple run-ins with management.
Similar to Asher’s situation, his dismissal also unfolded without much explanation from the station.
According to Turner, the filing with the EEOC is just the beginning, hinting at impending legal action.
Meanwhile, despite her firing, Asher’s name is still visible on the station’s website as an anchor, reflecting the ongoing uncertainty of the situation.
Efforts to come to a resolution with Fox 2 have reportedly failed, and Turner confirmed that litigation is now on the horizon.
The Post has reached out to Fox 2, Asher, and Turner for comments.
