The sudden dismissal left the former presenter feeling “blindsided” after a 35-year career and a media firestorm has since developed, with growing public and industry anger fueled by claims that LaFlamme was let go because of executives who disapproved of the veteran presenter’s decision to let her hair go grey. The media and public response has been highly critical of Bell Media, and rampant claims of ageism and sexism have dominated the debate. In what could be a public buckling under pressure, Bell Media has since announced it will launch an internal review into the collapse, but that reactionary response does nothing to quell the avalanche of criticism directed at the media giant information. Among the long list of media figures to speak out about not renewing LaFlamme’s contract, former Bell Media colleague Brandon Gonez — who is leaving CP24 in 2021 — has expressed his disappointment with the handling of the situation. The fact that Michael Melling’s (head of CTV News) name is not on this release is very telling. This independent third-party internal workplace assessment must be shared publicly once completed. Transparency is paramount, especially to the Canadian public. https://t.co/jPi8ygHttu — The Brandon Gonez Show (@brandongonez) August 19, 2022 On Saturday, another former Bell Media employee, Danielle Graham, joined the chorus of LaFlamme’s former colleagues in speaking out against an allegedly toxic culture at the media empire. Graham has opened up about her firing from Bell Media, where she claims her discrimination concerns were “ignored and laughed at,” followed days later by her sudden dismissal. The story of my departure from BellMedia pic.twitter.com/hEMS5CcHMp — Danielle Graham (@DanielleGraham) August 20, 2022 Even former figures who work for other media entities are speaking out about the culture at Bell Media, including former Corus Entertainment employee Jennifer Valentyne, who faced discrimination and sexism that led to her exit from the airwaves. Thanks @HeatherMallick for saying that… “There’s no reason to think a woman wouldn’t fire a woman for being a woman. it happens all the time, if this woman’s job depends on doing it.” via @torontostar — Jennifer Valentyne (@JennValentyne) August 21, 2022 Former Global News reporter Priya Sam took aim at members of Bell’s board of directors, which includes five women who have the drive to make positive changes at the company. This is the @Bell board including CEO Mirko Bibic. They can take meaningful action at Bell Media after Lisa LaFlamme was fired, but so far they have done nothing. Anyone else think it’s time we heard their thoughts on why misogyny is accepted there? pic.twitter.com/dCu3pWzxJI — Priya Sam (@PriyaSam) August 22, 2022 In response to Sam’s post, former CBC anchor Robert Fisher said “the 5 women on Bell Canada’s board have to make a decision: ‘Lead, (continue to) follow or get out of the way.’ Current Global News investigative reporter Sean O’Shea tweeted his shock at the firing, commenting that LaFlamme is “58 years old” and adding that “Lloyd Robertson worked as the network’s lead anchor until age 77 years old. Am I missing something?” Fox News co-host and former CTV employee John Roberts, who himself has faced allegations of workplace toxicity, tweeted that he was “stunned” by the news. I was surprised when I heard that. I worked at @CTVNews in the early 90’s, and I know @LisaLaFlamme_ is as solid as they come. via @torontostar — John Roberts (@johnrobertsFox) August 18, 2022 Courtney Theriault, a reporter for CityNews in Edmonton, cited the apparent age gap separating the late careers of LaFlamme and the male anchors. Recent National Anchor Departures: 2011 – Lloyd Robertson retires as CTV anchor at age 77 2017- Peter Mansbridge retires as CBC anchor at age 69 2022 – Lisa LaFlamme’s contract is canceled by CTV at age 58. — Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) August 15, 2022 Even prominent names outside the media landscape have condemned Bell and CTV for the firing, including renowned humanitarian General Roméo Dallaire, former congressmen Cheri DiNovo and Dr. Rima Berns-McGown and former member of the House of Commons Jane Philpott.
