A Mississippi TV meteorologist and news anchor has been absent from her role after uttering a Snoop Dogg quote live on air.
Barbie Bassett has not appeared on NBC affiliate WLBT since March 8, after she mentioned the rapper’s wine line.
During a discussion about the possibility of a collaboration with a journalist, Bassett said, “Fo shizzle, my nizzle,” a phrase that includes a slang word for the N-word.
Bassett, who also works as the station’s chief meteorologist, has a history of making controversial remarks, including a previous on-air comment about a black reporter’s “grandmammy,” which she later apologized for.
The Clarion Ledger has reported that Bassett is no longer listed on the station’s website, and she has not tweeted anything since March 8, even during the recent tornado that struck Mississippi.
The New York Post contacted the station’s regional vice president, Ted Fortenberry, who declined to comment on the situation, saying, “As I am sure you can understand, WLBT is unable to comment on personnel matters.”
It is unclear what the long-term implications will be for Bassett’s role at the station, or if she will make a public apology for her remarks.
Meanwhile, Snoop Dogg has not made any public statement regarding the incident.
