News

Actions

Detroit TV anchor resigns after reportedly making racist comment

Posted
and last updated

Detroit reporter Lauren Podell has resigned from WDIV-TV after reportedly making a racist comment while talking to a coworker.

Detroit activists Sam Riddle and Reverend W.J. Rideout held a news conference Tuesday to voice frustration after hearing of Podell's alleged racial slur.

They say Podell used the "N-word" in an off-air conversation.

"One reporter's resignation simpl[y] begs the issue. We will demonstrate tomorrow outside of WDIV because of the systemic issues with the station's racist cover up and lack of transparency at WDIV," said Riddle in a statement issued Wednesday.

Several years ago, Podell made headlines for using the "F-word" on-air.

As of Thursday morning, Podell's professional social media accounts had been deactivated.

In an email that went out to WDIV employees, Podell conveyed to her coworkers: "During my time at WDIV I have created many friendships that I will continue to cherish."

Detroit-based WXYZ has also reached out to WDIV for comment and has not received a response yet.
 

,

Weather

Daily Forecast

View Hourly Forecast

Day

Conditions

HI / LO

Precip

Friday

11/07/2025

Clear

-° / 53°

7%

Saturday

11/08/2025

Clear

77° / 54°

4%

Sunday

11/09/2025

Clear

83° / 55°

2%

Monday

11/10/2025

Partly Cloudy

82° / 56°

1%

Tuesday

11/11/2025

Partly Cloudy

81° / 59°

1%

Wednesday

11/12/2025

Partly Cloudy

79° / 57°

17%

Thursday

11/13/2025

Showers

73° / 53°

57%

Friday

11/14/2025

Showers

61° / 49°

59%