Veteran Detroit TV anchor Taryn Asher — who recently split from her journalist husband — was told she was fired from Fox 2 over her alleged “behavior in the newsroom,” her lawyer said, calling that explanation “ridiculous” and insisting the real reason was gender discrimination.
Asher’s attorney, Matthew Turner, told The Detroit News that the station claimed her conduct prompted the termination, but he argues she was actually pushed out after raising concerns about unequal treatment compared to male colleagues.
The firing caps a turbulent stretch for the longtime WJBK-TV anchor, who had helmed the station’s evening newscasts at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 10 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Asher has been off the air since November, with her absence shrouded in mystery for months as both she and station leadership declined to publicly explain why she suddenly vanished from broadcasts.
Behind the scenes, Turner said that the 50-year-old Asher had complained she was being treated differently from her male counterparts — including disparities in assignments, scheduling and guest bookings.
He alleges those complaints led to retaliation and ultimately her firing.
Asher filed a complaint with the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, alleging that she was subjected to “less favorable treatment” than similarly situated male employees and was penalized after raising concerns internally, according to Deadline Detroit.
The complaint alleges the station reduced her responsibilities, accused her of unprofessional conduct and launched what her legal team describes as a baseless investigation.
Turner said Asher is seeking reinstatement or financial compensation and is prepared to pursue litigation if necessary.
“She devoted her whole professional life to working there,” Turner said. “She was really devastated by what happened.”
Fox 2 management has declined to comment publicly.
Asher, a Michigan State University graduate who joined the station in 2007 and rose to lead anchor in 2022, said in February that she was dealing with an “unexpected work-related matter.”
At the same time, she revealed she is finalizing her divorce from former Detroit TV personality Jason Carr.
The couple, who met while working at a Flint TV station and married in 2007, share a daughter.
Carr’s own exit from local television was marked by controversy.
He was fired from WDIV-TV Channel 4 in 2022 after an on-air rant in which he blasted colleagues and called one unnamed co-worker “one of the worst human beings I feel like I’ve ever met in my life.”
Station insiders said Carr had multiple run-ins with management prior to his dismissal, which came shortly after a broadcast of his streaming show.
His departure — like Asher’s — unfolded under murky circumstances, with the station offering no explanation.
Turner said the EEOC filing is just the first step.
“And then the next step is litigation.”
Despite her firing, Asher remained listed as an anchor on the station’s website as of this week — underscoring the unresolved nature of the dispute.
Her attorney said efforts to resolve the matter amicably have failed.
“It became clear that Fox 2 was not going to let Asher return,” he told local media in Detroit, adding that the dispute is now headed toward a courtroom battle.
The Post has sought comment from Fox 2, Asher and Turner.
