Veteran Michigan News Anchor Files Federal Sex Discrimination Complaint Against Former Employer
A veteran Michigan news anchor has filed a federal sex discrimination complaint against her former employer after being terminated following nearly two decades of dedicated service. Former Fox2 Detroit host Taryn Asher, aged 50, submitted the official document to the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission last month, alleging a sustained pattern of sexism at the station that reportedly began in July of the previous year.
Allegations of Gender Discrimination and Retaliatory Actions
Asher's legal representatives have stated that her absence from the airwaves, at least initially, resulted from what they describe as a retaliatory suspension. She has since been formally dismissed from her position, according to attorney Matt Turner, who confirmed the details to the Daily Mail on Thursday. Through this complaint, Asher is seeking to obtain a right-to-sue letter from the EEOC, which would enable her to pursue legal action in federal court.
The filing specifically alleges that Asher was subjected to gender discrimination over several months by senior staff members, who were not named in the complaint. Her attorneys wrote, "Asher served diligently as an employee of Fox2 Detroit for 18 years... Fox has an obligation not to discriminate against Ms. Asher based on her sex." They further contended that her male co-anchor, Roop Raj, received consistently more favorable treatment in comparison.
Details of the Disparate Treatment and Investigation
The complaint outlines that the discriminatory treatment included providing Asher's male counterpart with a greater number of professional opportunities, more desirable assignments, and a more favorable and accommodating work schedule. According to her legal team, this disparate treatment prompted Asher to complain both verbally and in writing to Fox management about what she perceived as unlawful sex-based discrimination.
In response, the station allegedly retaliated by further diminishing her responsibilities relative to her male colleague, falsely accusing her of unprofessional conduct, and initiating a baseless investigation into her behavior. The subsequent indefinite suspension was characterized in the filing as both discriminatory and retaliatory, ultimately leading to her termination in November.
Career Background and Personal Circumstances
Taryn Asher began her tenure with Fox2 Detroit's news team back in 2007 and had served as co-anchor alongside Roop Raj for several years. In addition to her professional challenges, Asher is currently navigating a divorce from fellow journalist Jason Carr, whom she met during her initial year at the Flint ABC affiliate. She publicly revealed this personal development on Instagram in February, simultaneously noting that she was "working through an unexpected work-related matter."
Legal Proceedings and Future Aspirations
Attorney Matt Turner indicated that he and Asher are awaiting a decision from the federal agency on the complaint, a process expected to take at least 180 days. When questioned about whether Asher would consider returning to the anchor desk, Turner expressed, "Ultimately, she would love to go back. This was her dream job." He added, "We tried our best to get her reinstated for months. They've left us no option other than to pursue litigation."
The Daily Mail has approached Fox2 Detroit for comment regarding these allegations. Asher's attorneys emphasized in their filing, "Fox has a duty to not retaliate against Ms. Asher because of her reports of unlawful sex-based discrimination." This case highlights ongoing concerns about gender equity and workplace practices within the broadcast media industry.
