Leaked Video Adds Fuel to Asher's Lawsuit
A leaked 2023 video showing former Fox 2 Detroit anchor Taryn Asher in a tense exchange with an off-camera colleague has surfaced, offering a glimpse into the workplace tensions that the station says contributed to her firing. The footage, first reported by Deadline Detroit, captures Asher recording a public service announcement when she clashes with a colleague over last-minute script changes.
In the video, Asher says, "See, I mean, I can't wait for you to go through them all, and then I go through them, because then I'm already getting ready by then." As the colleague walks away, Asher responds, "I don't think you are. You're walking out really angry," before calling the person a "b—ch."
The release of the video has sparked reactions on social media, with some viewers expressing suspicion about its timing. Comments on Hollywood Unlocked's Instagram included "she handled it well," "that lady was antagonizing her," and "this is a smear campaign."
The Legal Battle
Asher, who worked at WJBK-TV for nearly two decades, is suing Fox Television Stations and New World Communications of Detroit, alleging sex discrimination and retaliation, as reported by the Detroit Free Press. She has been off the air since late November 2025.
In her lawsuit, Asher claims that male co-anchor Roop Raj received more guest interviews and schedule accommodations for his additional show "The Pulse," while managers denied her similar accommodations when she discussed hosting "Let It Rip." She seeks lost wages, benefits, emotional distress damages, punitive damages, attorneys' fees, and a court declaration that her noncompete began Nov. 21, 2025, and expired in May.
Fox denies the allegations and says Asher's own conduct led to her removal. In an Aug. 14 federal filing, the company characterized Asher's behavior as "unprofessional," citing profanity, confrontations, and newsroom outbursts. Fox also says multiple employees complained about her before she was placed on paid leave. The company maintains that Asher was terminated for cause after repeated workplace outbursts and that her conduct resembled behavior that led to her 2023 suspension and referral to the Employee Assistance Program.
Fox has also filed counterclaims alleging that Asher failed to return a company-issued laptop after her departure.
Asher's legal team at Sommers Schwartz responded to the station's filing, telling the Detroit Free Press: "We strongly disagree with Fox's characterization of Ms. Asher's workplace behavior."
Atlanta Black Star reached out to Fox 2 for comment but did not receive a response.
News Director's Departure
Amid the legal dispute, Brooks Blanton, who has been vice president and news director of Fox 2 Detroit since October 2025, announced Monday, Aug. 24, that he is leaving the station. In a statement, Blanton said: "After much thought and reflection, I have come to the decision to step aside as FOX 2's news director. As my time here comes to an end, I want to express my sincere gratitude to each of you for your dedication, hard work and camaraderie. I will miss you all."
The station will conduct an internal and external search to find Blanton's replacement. The move comes in the midst of Asher's lawsuit, though the station has not directly linked the two events.
Blanton is a Michigan native and TV news veteran who came to Detroit from Grand Rapids, where he was news director for ABC affiliate WZZM-TV. Before that, he led news teams in Charlotte, North Carolina, and at Fox affiliate WXMI-TV in Grand Rapids. He also previously worked at the Fox News Atlanta bureau, two stations in Phoenix, Arizona, and WILX-TV in Lansing.
Paul McGonagle, senior vice president and general manager of Fox 2 Detroit since July 2025, said in a statement that Blanton will be missed.
In early August, Kellie Rowe, a popular member of the Fox 2 news team, also announced she would be leaving the station after 10 years.
Perspectives
Taryn Asher's legal team: "We strongly disagree with Fox's characterization of Ms. Asher's workplace behavior."
Fox Television Stations: Denies Asher's allegations, saying her own conduct—including profanity, confrontations, and newsroom outbursts—led to her removal. The company also alleges she failed to return a company-issued laptop.
Brooks Blanton: Announced his departure as news director, expressing gratitude to the team and saying he will miss them.