A Milwaukee newscaster was suspended after a Facebook post on his personal account expressed sadness that Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek died and not Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
“2020 takes Alex Trebek but leaves Mitch McConnell? Just end already,” wrote Ted Perry, a longtime nightly news anchor on Fox6.
His post sparked immediate outrage from commenters, prompting Perry to quickly delete his personal Facebook and Twitter accounts.
“I made a statement on my personal Facebook page that was insensitive and does not reflect my journalist values and I was not speaking on behalf of my employer,” Perry wrote in a Facebook apology before deleting his account. “I deeply apologize for my inappropriate and outrageous comments and have deleted them accordingly.”
The apology apparently wasn’t enough for decision-makers at Fox6, who suspended Perry for at least one week because of the comments. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that sources have confirmed the suspension but were not sure if he was on paid or unpaid leave.
It was also unclear if Perry would return to the airwaves Monday.
Trebek, the longtime host of Jeopardy!, died last week at the age of 80 after a long battle with stage IV pancreatic cancer. The popular host continued his work on the show throughout his diagnosis and treatment, receiving an outpouring of support during his public battle.
McConnell, a Republican from Kentucky, was overwhelmingly reelected to the Senate, beating Democratic challenger Amy McGrath by nearly 20 points.
