Photo Courtesy of WLBT/ Instagram (@snoop dogg)
Mississippi morning news anchor Barbie Bassett has not been seen since being fired for making a controversial comment.
Earlier this month, the incident occurred when Bassett’s team was discussing Snoop Dogg’s addition to his wine line, and she used the phrase “Fo shizzle, my nizzle,” a phrase popularized by Snoop that contains a slang term for the N-word.
The meteorologists’ comment immediately sparked controversy.
According to Deadline, Bassett, who serves as both the NBC affiliate WLBT station’s chief meteorologist and anchor, has a history of making controversial comments on air. In a previous incident, she referred to a black reporter’s “grandmammy” during a news segment and later apologized.
Since the Snoop Dogg incident, Bassett has not appeared on the station and is no longer listed on their website. Her social media accounts have also been silent, including during a recent deadly tornado that struck Mississippi, sparking concern among meteorologists.
The station’s regional vice president, Ted Fortenberry, has declined to comment on the situation.
“As I am sure you can understand, WLBT is unable to comment on personnel matters.”
Related Story: Shonda Rhimes To Be Honored With Barbie Doll For Mattel’s International Women’s Day Celebration
Bassett’s absence from the station has lots more conversation online.
One user tweeted, “I want you all to know that white people in Mississippi are mad that Barbie Bassett, a 60-year-old white woman that just said “grandmammy” not 5 months ago, said “Fo shizzle my nizzle” last week, and was fired. They are arguing with BLACK PEOPLE online saying that nizzle means.”
Another said, “News anchor fired for quoting snoop dogs lyrics “Fo Shizzle My Nizzle” That is so dumb mostly because no white person knows what the hell that means.”
Another wrote, “Barbie Bassett really got on that tv and said “fo shizzle my nizzle” … WLBT got her out of there quick fast and in a hurry this time.”