A fired US news anchor has been captured on video calling a co-worker a 'b****' during a tense newsroom exchange. The footage, released in 2023 and first revealed by FTVLive and Deadline Detroit, shows Taryn Asher, 51, recording a public service announcement for Fox 2 Detroit when the confrontation unfolded.
Asher, who was taken off the air in November 2024, can be seen responding to an off-camera colleague while discussing scripts and the need to wait for them to be reviewed as she prepares to go on camera. In the video, Asher tells her colleague: 'See, I mean, I can't wait for you to go through them all and then I go through them, because then I'm already getting ready by then. I don't think you are. You're walking out really angry.'
As the exchange turns hostile, Asher appears to call the co-worker a 'b****' before saying: 'Can I please finish what I'm going to say? What the f–k. Grow up… I'm so done with her antics, telling on me every five seconds. I'm done.'
Lawsuit Alleges Sex Discrimination and Retaliation
Asher, who worked at Fox 2 Detroit from 2007 until her departure, is now suing Fox Television Stations for sex discrimination and retaliation. Fox has denied the claims and stated that Asher's removal followed 'unprofessional workplace behavior' and 'outbursts'.
In its August 14 response to her lawsuit, Fox said several employees had complained about Asher's behavior in the week before she was placed on paid leave on November 5, 2024. The station alleged that she had shouted at fellow staff members over guest interview assignments, repeatedly used profanity, and had 'confrontational and disrespectful interactions' with colleagues.
Fox also claimed that Asher confronted an employee she believed had complained about her to management. The broadcaster cited one dispute on October 30, 2024, involving her male co-anchor, Roop Raj. According to Fox, Asher mistakenly believed Raj had been given an interview she had booked and alleged that she raised her voice and at times shouted at two colleagues over the mix-up.
Election Coverage Tensions and Paid Leave
On November 4, 2024, tensions allegedly flared again during election coverage. Fox acknowledged that its producers initially assigned Raj both guest interviews during the 5pm and 6pm broadcasts before one was later reassigned to Asher. However, according to the station, Asher confronted Raj and accused him of receiving preferential treatment, allegedly telling him: 'You don't own politics.'
The following day, November 5, Fox placed Asher on paid leave while it investigated complaints about her behavior. After the investigation, Fox said that management told Asher on November 21 that she would not return because of her 'repeated outbursts in the newsroom and multiple instances of unprofessional conduct with her colleagues'.
Asher denies behaving in a way that warranted discipline or dismissal. Her lawsuit also claims that Fox treated male employees accused of misconduct more leniently and that she was retaliated against after raising concerns about sex discrimination.
Legal Battle and Disputed Footage
An attorney for Asher said the footage 'does not tell the full story' and claimed the incident shown 'was addressed at the time and did not result in Ms Asher's termination'. The attorney told The New York Post: 'It is only being raised now after Ms. Asher made complaints of gender discrimination and retaliation. Fox's own filing admits that multiple male employees accused of serious misconduct were not terminated and, in some instances, were later promoted.'
Fox disputes these allegations. The station maintains that Asher's removal was based on her repeated outbursts and unprofessional conduct, as documented by multiple employee complaints.
