Ohio’s WFMJ TV station fired its Community Relations Director, Madonna Chism Pinkard, following her private social media post advocating for “straight pride” during the so-called “LGBTQ Pride Month.” The station issued a statement about the dismissal on its official Facebook page, claiming:
“WFMJ has terminated the employment of our Community Relations Director following her unauthorized post on a company-linked social media site last week. WFMJ is committed to serving our entire community with the respect we believe all people deserve.”
But Pinkard, who goes by “Madonna Jean” on Facebook, shared the controversial post to her personal account. The meme in question featured a photo of a man and a woman in wedding attire, accompanied by the words, “Celebrate Straight Pride. It’s Natural, It Has Worked for Thousands of Years. And You Can Make Babies!”
The station said it does not condone such actions and apologized to its viewers:
“We recognize we live in a diverse community with differing views on many topics, and we believe discussions of those views and reporting on them should be done in a respectful manner by all… We deeply regret that our Community Relations Director crossed the line.”
Social media users defended Pinkard’s post, citing freedom of speech. One commenter wrote, “It’s called freedom of speech. You’re allowed to practice your first amendment rights no matter what side you’re on.” Another user added, “I’m gay and find that hilarious.”
Pinkard has removed the contentious post and apologized said: “I apologize for the post that offended one of our viewers.”
