Fox Suspends Sports Reporter Over “I Can’t Breathe” Comments
Freelance reporter Erika Reidt seemingly criticized the Lakers for wearing "I can't breathe" shirts. The comment prompted a flurry of responses on social media.
Freelance Fox Deportes reporter Erika Reidt posted a comment Tuesday evening on an Instagram picture showing Kobe Bryant in an "I Can't Breathe" shirt. "I'm gonna start wearing a shirt that says I can breathe because I obey the law," she wrote.
The picture was one of several that circulated widely Tuesday showing Lakers players in shirts showing support for the protests over the Eric Garner grand jury decision.
Reidt — who works for Fox's Spanish language sports channel, Fox Deportes — eventually deleted her comment on the picture, but not before it prompted plenty of reaction.
Some responded directly to Reidt on Instagram.
Others began criticizing her on Twitter:
Hey @FOXDeportes, curious if you were aware your correspondent @ErikaReidt uses social media to victim blame.
Heywood Jablomie @HoodCertifiedFollow
Hey @FOXDeportes, curious if you were aware your correspondent @ErikaReidt uses social media to victim blame.
8:09 PM - 09 Dec 14ReplyRetweetFavorite
@140elect @ErikaReidt She "loves Jesus"? Good luck convincing the Almighty with that mean spirit!
ndngenuity@ndngenuityFollow
@140elect @ErikaReidt She "loves Jesus"? Good luck convincing the Almighty with that mean spirit!
11:22 PM - 09 Dec 14ReplyRetweetFavorite
Reidt — who describes herself on Twitter as "Méxicana, Texas born, Cali Luv" — initially responded by saying her account was hacked and she didn't make the comment.
I want to clarify in regards to the comment about Eric Garner, my account was hacked & apparently that comment was posted without my conset
Erika Reidt@ErikaReidtFollow
I want to clarify in regards to the comment about Eric Garner, my account was hacked & apparently that comment was posted without my conset
9:32 PM - 09 Dec 14ReplyRetweetFavorite
Some questioned that explanation, however, when she then thanked someone for defending the comment.
@HoodCertified @MJK_NY31 @FOXDeportes @ErikaReidt So she isn't allowed to have an opinion?
Jimmy McNulty@PattyWhite_NYMFollow
@HoodCertified @MJK_NY31 @FOXDeportes @ErikaReidt So she isn't allowed to have an opinion?
8:43 PM - 09 Dec 14ReplyRetweetFavorite
@PattyWhite_NYM thank u
@PattyWhite_NYM thank u
8:46 PM - 09 Dec 14ReplyRetweetFavorite
Right RT @NRestivo: @ErikaReidt So both your Twitter and Instagram accounts were hacked on the same night?! That’s wild.
The Original@ImKingShawnFollow
Right RT @NRestivo: @ErikaReidt So both your Twitter and Instagram accounts were hacked on the same night?! That’s wild.
12:11 AM - 10 Dec 14ReplyRetweetFavorite
@140elect @TheVikChick @ErikaReidt Ah yes, the Anthony Weiner "hacked account" excuse. Protip: it didn't work for him, either.
Tamir&Mike&Kaijime@OutsideAgit8orFollow
@140elect @TheVikChick @ErikaReidt Ah yes, the Anthony Weiner "hacked account" excuse. Protip: it didn't work for him, either.
11:52 PM - 09 Dec 14ReplyRetweetFavorite
Later, she told her followers that she was "raised in the hood."
I was raised in the hood and know the struggles our minority communities go through. I pray we become the system and abolish all racism.
I was raised in the hood and know the struggles our minority communities go through. I pray we become the system and abolish all racism.
9:37 PM - 09 Dec 14ReplyRetweetFavorite
That response, prompted a new wave of critical responses:
How many Aunt Viv's were there? RT @ErikaReidt: I was raised in the hood
Ice@OfficiallyIceFollow
How many Aunt Viv's were there? RT @ErikaReidt: I was raised in the hood
10:36 PM - 09 Dec 14ReplyRetweetFavorite
She's Latina & doesn't see the racial injustice. That's the sick part. Shame on you @ErikaReidt
Claudia@clastroFollow
She's Latina & doesn't see the racial injustice. That's the sick part. Shame on you @ErikaReidt
8:48 PM - 09 Dec 14ReplyRetweetFavorite
@ErikaReidt Just stop...
Cheez@Black_BoySpenceFollow
@ErikaReidt Just stop...
9:38 PM - 09 Dec 14ReplyRetweetFavorite
How much were money orders at your neighborhood convenience store? RT @ErikaReidt: I was raised in the hood
Pepe Sylvia@edot__Follow
How much were money orders at your neighborhood convenience store? RT @ErikaReidt: I was raised in the hood
10:28 PM - 09 Dec 14ReplyRetweetFavorite
the new "I have black friends" card? RT @ErikaReidt: I was raised in the hood and know the struggles our minority communities go through.
Qupernicus@_QDoubleFollow
the new "I have black friends" card? RT @ErikaReidt: I was raised in the hood and know the struggles our minority communities go through.
9:43 PM - 09 Dec 14ReplyRetweetFavorite
Fox Deportes then announced it was investigating the comments and had suspended Reidt.
FOX Deportes is investigating the comments made by freelancer Erika Reidt and has suspended her until further notice.
FOX Deportes@FOXDeportesFollow
FOX Deportes is investigating the comments made by freelancer Erika Reidt and has suspended her until further notice.
10:35 PM - 09 Dec 14ReplyRetweetFavorite
Reidt and Fox Deportes did not immediately respond to BuzzFeed News' request for comment.
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Jim Dalrymple is a reporter for BuzzFeed News and is based in Los Angeles.
Contact Jim Dalrymple II at jim.dalrymple@buzzfeed.com.
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