Social media defends Dallas TV anchor after she was body-shamed online
One TV anchor in Dallas is making headlines, but it’s not for her journalism. It’s for her on-air attire.
Channel 8’s traffic reporter Demetria Obilor, typically seen in colorful, knee-length dresses, was recently called out on social media for her appearance.
“Has anyone seen Channel 8’s new morning traffic reporter? Her name is Demetria Obilor & she’s a size 16/18 woman in a size six dress and she looks ridiculous,” a Facebook user wrote in a now-deleted post. “I understand that when I watch Channel 8 I’m going to get biased reporting and political correctness, but clearly they have taken complete leave of their senses. I’m not going to watch Channel 8 anymore.”
When a Twitter user uploaded a screenshot of the criticism, it quickly went viral, garnering more than 10,000 retweets and over 20,000 likes.
Jan is big mad. Don’t be like Jan. pic.twitter.com/ytAKJHMXBy
— Mother of Draggings (@fabfreshandfly) November 3, 2017
But people weren't adding to the denunciation. Instead, they were coming to the defense of Obilor, who began at the station in October.
A few criticized the focus on her clothes rather than her work as a newswoman.
How dare you attack her. A woman that has something goin’ for her. A WOMAN. @DemetriaObilor WORKS.
— Malik Earnest (@resolvxd) November 3, 2017
Others blamed a culture of sexualizing women especially those with curvier or full-figured shapes.
Yes! Can we talk about internalized sexism?
— Shanna Miles (@srmilesauthor) November 3, 2017
I've worked in TV at 3 shops since 2010. At every station, our female talent was harassed, body shamed, et c. Thanks for speaking up, D.
— Thomas Holt (@ThomasNBC5) November 4, 2017
»RELATED: Plus-size model posts viral video after being body-shamed
A few celebrities, including Chance the Rapper, even chimed in.
BIIIIIIG MAD https://t.co/E9yzWbU9m8
— Lil Chano From 79th (@chancetherapper) November 3, 2017
Overall, most just showered Obilor or “#trafficbae” with compliments.
😘 #TooManyJans #NotEnoughChances— Nicole (@NicoleBWJCL) November 3, 2017We love you @DemetriaObilor keep being beautifullllll
This is my official public statement of support of #trafficbae @DemetriaObilor because I love seeing talented women winning
— JasmineEllisComedy (@JasmineCEllis) November 4, 2017
😂) @DemetriaObilor getting all the love today. And she deserves it. Shine bright Sis. https://t.co/yYislymIYk— Shayna Hayes (@MsShaynaT) November 3, 2017My girl (no really she is my friend
The media maven eventually responded to the all of the hoopla on Twitter, thanking supporters for the encouragement. She also addressed the “haters” for the negativity.
“This is the way that I am built. This is the way that I was born,” she said. “I’m not going anywhere. So if you don’t like it, you have your options.”
Take a look at her full response below.
💗 and thank you @chancetherapper 💯 pic.twitter.com/ks2cTSuLLe— Demetria Obilor (@DemetriaObilor) November 3, 2017Addressing the haters, showing love to my ppl
About the Author
Najja Parker is a multimedia journalist covering Black culture for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She is an engaging on-air talent, who has served as a host for the newsroom’s special projects and events, such as the movie premiere of “The South Got Something To Say,” a documentary chronicling the rise of Atlanta hip-hop.
