News anchor calls out body-shamer on live TV and delivers a masterclass in standing up for yourself

In the age of social media, it has become increasingly common for people to leave negative comments about one's appearance. This is bound to affect how people feel about their bodies and make them feel insecure and self-conscious. Nonetheless, some individuals are able to rise above these harsh remarks and fat-shaming to embrace their body type. One such person is Canadian traffic reporter, Leslie Horton, who paused her regular traffic update for Global News Morning Calgary, to address a viewer who had sent her a derogatory email criticizing her appearance and choice of clothing. Goes without saying that everyone was caught off guard by her furious outburst.

As reported by Unilad, the message in the email read, "Congratulations on your pregnancy. If you’re going to wear old bus driver pants, you can expect emails like this." As reported by Goalcast, with the cameras still rolling, Horton effortlessly silenced the troll with just a few powerful words. She did it all with remarkable class and dignity, proving once again that she’s a true gem. Horton read the email and said, "So thanks for that. Um no, I'm not pregnant. I actually lost my uterus to cancer last year and this is what women of my age look like so if it is offensive to you, that's unfortunate. Think about the emails you send."

Later during an interview, she claimed, "He’s reached out several times over the years, and his intent is always to humiliate and hurt me. We’re not supposed to respond to trolls — so I had no plans to address it, but then the words just came out of my mouth. I had this visceral reaction.” The news organization also showed its full support by sharing the clip on social media, where it instantly went viral. Viewers flooded the comment section, expressing their appreciation for Horton’s bold response. One X (formerly Twitter) user, @JustTryin2GetBy, commented, "Well this is awful, and Global Reporter Leslie Horton is an absolute badass. Sorry, people are jerks. I'm impressed by how you handled that. Stay well."

Another person, @Duckett62, wrote, "You nailed it Leslie! I think you look fantastic! I only watch Global in the winter while I’m at Canmore, and you always make me chuckle! Stay well!" She later spoke openly about her brave response during one of her lives, stating that it was a result of exhaustion as a female broadcaster and the larger truth of how women are frequently treated. Horton outright declared that she would continue to wear the clothes she likes and pursue a career on television, adding that she would never be undermined by negative comments about her age, beauty, or body.

Horton also pointed out that her male colleagues are never subjected to the same kind of body-shaming and that they are shocked by the hateful emails their female colleagues receive daily. In January 2022, after 26 years with the network, Horton announced on X that she was taking a leave for cancer treatment. She had a radical hysterectomy during her almost four-month break, a painful procedure that can drastically change a woman's physique. The fact that Horton and innumerable other women suffer such circumstances is tragic. Even if the body acceptance movement has had a positive influence, events like this show that more work needs to be done.