Anyone who appears on TV regularly opens themselves up to criticisms from the many trolls of the world. That applies to local news reporters and meteorologists. It's something Becky Ditchfield has learned before. Ditchfield does the weather for KUSA-9News in Denver and, having been pregnant on air two times before, she's used to comments about her body when she's expecting. Now pregnant with her third child, Becky has started getting rude remarks from listeners who feel the need to express their opinions about her body and the maternity clothes she wears.
This time around, Becky wasn't surprised to see haters talking about how her belly is so big it blocks the weather map, and while she typically ignores those remarks, she decided to lay an epic smackdown on one troll in particular. Ditchfield told AccuWeather, "Every once in a long while, I feel the need to stand up for myself. It is not something that comes easy, but my gut usually tells me when it's time," and her gut spoke up about the person who told her she looked like "a freak with her belly sticking out 2 miles."
In a post on Facebook, Becky, who has her degree in meteorology with minors in math and broadcasting, pointed out just how ridiculous the cruel comment was. She brought a tape measure and did some math to prove that not only was the troll way off in how far her stomach stuck out, but, in relation to her weather map, their remark was actually complimentary!
Her post earned thousands of likes and comments that praised her for sticking up for herself and shutting down the ignorant trolls.
Becky later appeared on air to thank everyone for their support. She started by saying, "Sometimes I feel like I feel too much to be in this business. Words like freak, disgusting and nauseating play off my insecurities," explaining how all the negative comments about her led her to go into a private bathroom at work so she could cry. She added that she has learned how to process her feelings and how to take back her power, something that has taken many years of therapy to understand. Becky noted, "I am so glad I took the time to take care of my mental health." She went on to state, "I wish I could force people to have more compassion, but the only person I can work on and change is myself. Never be ashamed to ask for help." Finally, Becky said, "Thank you, knowing that my family, my co-workers and you have my back means the world to me."
Ditchfield hopes that young viewers who see her post understand the need to take care of their own mental health.
Photo: Facebook/Becky Ditchfield