Fox News Reporter Sues Network After Being Demoted for Disclosing Infertility Struggle
Imagine suffering from and living with endometriosis, a painful condition which causes tissue to grow outside of the uterus rather than inside. Then imagine that because of this condition, you have to undergo surgery to see if any of your eggs are left viable. Once the procedure is over, you discover that you are basically infertile and will never get to bear children. Horrible, right? Now picture telling the world about your condition, only to be fired from your job within a few months. That’s what happened to this Fox News reporter who is suing the network for wrongful termination.
Diana Falzone is the former host for programs on FoxNews.com and FOX411. Earlier this year, she wrote a column on the Fox News website disclosing that she has just discovered she is infertile. This after she’d spent years struggling with endometriosis. Not long afterward, she was prevented from appearing on her news show or online, but was given no explanation. In an interview with PEOPLE, Falzone said that her supervisor, “advised her to look for a new job.”
But Why?
PEOPLE reached out to Fox News, but so far have received no word. Falzone, however, feels that she’s being punished for disclosing her endometriosis and infertility struggles.
”The issues raised in Diana Falzone’s lawsuit are a concern for all women,” said Falzone’s lawyer, Nancy Erika Smith, in a statement. ”Fox News never banned her male counterparts who have discussed their personal health issues on air. Indeed, those men saw their careers advance.”
Falzone is obviously going through a lot, and fortunately, fans on Twitter have been supportive of the reporter. So much so that she posted the following video thanking people for their support.
Thank you everyone for your support ❤ pic.twitter.com/twdisbHwml
— dianafalzone (@dianafalzone) May 1, 2017
”It means so much to me that I’m able to speak openly about endometriosis and have your incredible support. Thank you for your kind messages, and your blessings. I’m hoping that together, we can raise awareness about endometriosis, and be there for all the women who suffer from it,” she says in the video.
Considering that endometriosis affects between 2 and 10% of childbearing age women, it’s incredibly important to talk about. Falzone certainly understood that, though she probably never guessed she’d practically lose her job as a result. Here’s hoping that the law suit falls in her favor.
(Image: Twitter / dianafalzone)
