Philly News Anchor Responds To Alleged Racist Comments

KYW-TV3 news anchor Ukee Washington publicly addressed a Los Angeles Times report that two CBS Corp. executives allegedly directed racist comments toward him, telling CBS3 viewers that "these past few days have been difficult for everyone."

The Philadelphia Business Journal reports the veteran news anchor's on-air comments came less than 24 hours after the two executives – Peter Dunn and David Friend – were placed on administrative leave pending an investigation.

“We cannot and we will not tolerate the type of behavior that’s been alleged," Washington said. "There’s no room for it anywhere, any time."

Washington said he was happy to see the leadership of CBS3 management and its parent company CBS Viacom in response to the story.

“My mom taught me as a kid that there’s strength in numbers. It’s still true,” Washington said, choking back tears. “We all have the power to create change and we can do it together. You know I like to use the word 'family' and that, in my opinion, is what we all are – children of God. So do me a favor. If you have young children, give them a hug. Tell them it’s going to be alright. Because deep in my heart, I believe, we shall overcome. We must.”

Dunn, president of CBS Television Stations, and Friend, senior vice president of news for the network’s owned-and-operated stations, have been at the center of a firestorm after the Times reported Sunday that former station executives said the two created a hostile working environment at CBS3 (KYW-TV).

CBS3's @UkeeWashington gets emotional while thanking viewers and co-workers for all their support. "I do believe we shall overcome. We must." #FAMILY #WeStandWithUkee https://t.co/oUKOlQqvQ9 pic.twitter.com/yWTWRqvRq9

— CBS Philly (@CBSPhilly) January 26, 2021

The allegations levied by former CBS3 President and General Manager Brien Kennedy and former News Director Margaret Cronan include that Dunn referred to Washington, who is Black, as “just a jive guy,” asked if the station’s choice for morning anchor was “too gay for Philadelphia” and stated that he “hated” the face of former anchor Rahel Solomon, a Black journalist now working at CNBC.