Gay news anchor faces searing backlash after raging over ‘obese people’ being COVID vaccinated
(Instagram/Blake McCoy)
Washington DC gay news anchor Blake McCoy has been suspended after he said he is “annoyed” that obese people have been given priority for the COVID vaccine.
The comment, which was posted on McCoy’s Twitter, was followed by a flurry of complaints against the anchor. As a result, a spokesperson for WTTG, a local Fox affiliate, told the Washington Blade that McCoy had been “suspended pending further review”.
In a now-deleted post on Twitter, McCoy said: “I’m annoyed obese people of all ages get priority access before all essential workers.
“When most stayed home, we went into work every day last March, April, May and every day since putting ourselves and loved ones at risk.
“Vaccinate all essential workers. Then obese.”
This shameful anchor at @fox5dc, @BlakeMcCoyDC, needs to be fired for his disgusting tweet regarding who should receive Covid vaccines. His apology rings hollow!
And as a fellow DC gay man, he should be even more ashamed of himself for this.
Blake, which comorbities are Ok? pic.twitter.com/se9FbE9d09
— Christopher Wiggins (@CWNewser) February 24, 2021
Blake McCoy deleted the tweet and then offered an apology after backlash
People tweeted at McCoy and his employer, saying they were hurt by the anchor’s tweet. Others called for McCoy to resign or be fired. One fan said McCoy’s tweet “only serve to divide people”.
McCoy eventually apologised for the tweet. He said: “Earlier today, I tweeted something insensitive and offensive.
“I truly regret my words and want to apologise.
“I have deleted my tweet and ask that you accept my sincere apology.”
Then, he claimed he deleted the tweet because he didn’t have ‘time to argue’ with strangers
Journalist Chris Weidner said McCoy’s apology is “empty” because he said the real reason he deleted the tweet was that he couldn’t be bothered to argue with people.
In response to one fan, McCoy disclosed that he deleted the original tweet because “who has the time to argue with strangers on the internet”.
He also said: “But many people I know have quietly cut the line through various ways in various states.
“Rules seen as inequitable or unjust erode confidence in system and drive urge to cheat it.”
His apology is empty since he says the real reason he apologized is this: pic.twitter.com/yl0EnXOnZK— Christopher Wiggins (@CWNewser) February 24, 2021
Why are obese people being prioritised for the COVID vaccine?
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined that adults with excess weight are at greater risk during the pandemic. As such, the CDC said obesity increases the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation due to COVID. Additionally, the CDC said obesity decreases lung capacity and can make ventilation more difficult.
New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware have all followed the CDC’s recommendations and offered vaccines to obese people.
