WJZ anchor Mary Bubala is out at the CBS station after she got backlash for asking a pointed question about the race and gender of the city’s past three Mayors. It happened during a live interview at Loyola University Maryland last week.
In the interview Bubala said:
“We’ve had three female, African American mayors in a row. They were all passionate public servants. Two resigned, though. Is this a signal that a different kind of leadership is needed to move Baltimore City forward?”
The former mayor, Catherine Pugh, resigned amid a widening scandal revolving around children’s books that she wrote.
Bubala’s question got backlash from the Baltimore Association of Black Journalists and one of its former presidents, Nicki Mayo, and others after it was posted on Twitter.
Bubla posted a lengthy message on her Facebook yesterday addressing the comment and her future.
Last week I realized I made a mistake in the language I used on air. I immediately apologized for any hurt I unintentionally caused. I received immediate support from WJZ because they knew it was not in my heart to intentionally cause this kind of harm. I wanted to do an on-air apology but was not allowed. I hope that the people of Baltimore know that I would never do anything to hurt anyone.
Unfortunately, I now stand in the path of the tornado. WJZ was forced to let me go. I am saddened and shocked by this decision. Baltimore City has been my home for 25 years and I treasure and am so grateful for the relationships I have made with the people of Baltimore during this time. I fully intend to fight to restore my reputation because I’ve invested my heart and soul in my work and my city.
WJZ issued a statement to NBC news confirming she no longer works for the station and apologized for her remarks.