Fired Detroit Anchor Taryn Asher Slams Station in Sex Discrimination Lawsuit, Claims Male Colleagues Get a Pass

A fired Detroit TV news anchor unleashed fury on her former station, claiming they protected male colleagues while punishing her for raising concerns about discrimination. Taryn Asher filed a federal sexual discrimination lawsuit against Fox Television Stations and WJBK TV, known as Fox 2 Detroit, following her abrupt termination in November.

The lawsuit alleges a toxic environment after Paul McGonagle took over as general manager, leading to a wave of female firings while men, including Asher's co-anchor Roop Raj, enjoyed preferential treatment. The 26-page complaint details how Asher faced discrimination simply for being female.

Asher asserts that Raj received "more favorable" treatment, including additional guest interview opportunities and scheduling perks. She was denied the chance to adjust her schedule for hosting "Let it Rip," while Raj was allowed to host "The Pulse" with no issues.

The suit claims WJBK enabled Raj to "circumvent and undermine" Asher's responsibilities. In an email to McGonagle, she expressed concern over the imbalance in treatment compared to her male co-anchor.

McGonagle met with Asher to inform her that her schedule would not change and that her new program was on hold. Asher, an Emmy award-winning journalist, alleged that Raj was assigned all guest interviews they were supposed to share for Election Day.

After voicing her concerns to management without resolution, Asher confronted Raj about his preferential treatment. The next day, Raj reported her to human resources, labeling her as "jealous" and mischaracterizing her complaints as a gender issue.

Shortly thereafter, Asher was placed on leave "pending an investigation into alleged complaints of 'egregious behavior'" from her colleagues. She was ultimately fired after a two-week investigation for supposed "outbursts" in the newsroom.

Asher firmly denied any such outbursts that would justify her termination. The lawsuit highlights that several male employees engaged in "unprofessional behavior and misconduct" but faced lesser consequences.

For instance, Raj was reportedly "merely suspended" for two weeks after a DUI arrest in 2012, while McGonagle allegedly received a promotion following a DUI incident at another Fox station.

Asher seeks unspecified damages from Fox Television Stations and WJBK TV. This legal action follows her complaint with the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission regarding the "less favorable treatment" she received compared to male employees.

Neither Fox, McGonagle, nor Raj provided any comment regarding the allegations.