AN IRISH-AMERICAN news anchor has been suspended after making a 'controversial' comment about the order in which the coronavirus vaccine should be handed out in the US.
Fox's Blake McCoy was hurriedly condemned on social media on Tuesday when he tweeted frustration at the fact that overweight people were getting vaccinated against Covid-19 before essential workers.
In a since deleted post, he wrote: "I'm annoyed obese people of all ages get priority vaccine access before all essential workers.
"When most stayed home, we went into work everyday last March, April, May and everyday since putting ourselves and loved ones at risk.
"Vaccinate all essential workers. [Then] the obese."
His post immediately drew a furious reaction, with many social media users branding the tweets 'fatphobic' and demanded his suspension or resignation.
Earlier today I Tweeted something insensitive and offensive. I truly regret my words and want to apologize.
I have deleted my tweet and ask that you accept my sincere apology.— Blake McCoy (@BlakeMcCoyTV) February 23, 2021
Hours after the initial post, McCoy took to Twitter again to apologise, calling his previous post "insensitive" and stressing that he "truly regrets" his comments.
"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."
A Fox 5 News spokesperson later revealed: "He [Mr McCoy] has been suspended pending further review."
His apology wasn't received well by a number of Twitter users, with one commenting: "Fatphobia is not something you just instantly get over."
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