Rochester's Radio 95.1 Hosts, Kimberly and Beck, Were Fired for Racist Commentary
Updated June 3 2020, 5:45 p.m. ET
Two radio hosts named Kimberly and Beck were fired from Rochester, N.Y.'s Radio 95.1 radio station on Tuesday, June 2, and their termination was well-deserved.
The Western New York media leaders were under fire for making obscenely racist and offensive comments in light of the Black Lives Matter movement, and the recent protests following the death of George Floyd.
What did Kimberly and Beck say on air, that ultimately led to their termination? Longtime listeners were shocked to hear the offensive language they chose to use in one of their most recent segments, but needless to say, their colleagues are relieved they were removed from the radio station.
Kimberly and Beck were fired for racist comments they shared on air.
During Kimberly and Beck's radio show, which airs on 95.1 from 2 p.m. ET to 7 p.m. ET on weekdays, the two hosts were discussing Madison and Bret Mavity, who were reportedly attacked by looters shortly after a Black Lives Matter protest in downtown Rochester, according to Democrat & Chronicle.
And unfortunately, the manner in which the hosts' discussed their attackers was incredibly offensive.
Kimberly proceeded to ask Beck if the supposed looters were acting “n-word-ish” and “n-word-ly." She didn't use the n-word, though by directing the abbreviation at people, it was wildly offensive in and of itself.
"Okay, let me ask you a question. Were they acting n-word-ish?" Kimberly said during the live broadcast on the iHeartMedia-owned station.
Kimberly and Beck proceeded to mull over why they aren't allowed use the term “n-word” to describe people, and ultimately decided, “No one’s offended by that."
It goes without saying nobody should ever call anyone an "n-word," regardless if they aren't saying the actual word, so many felt as though Kimberly and Beck's termination was well-deserve.
And along with appalled listeners across the nation, their colleagues were eager to have them fired, too.
Kimberly and Beck's colleagues wanted them terminated immediately.
Hateful and racist language shouldn't be ignored, so it came as no surprise that fellow iHeartRadio hosts wanted Kimberly and Beck terminated immediately following their bigoted conversation. Another host at iHeartRadio from The Brother Wease Show, Deanna King, spoke out about their disgusting behavior the following day, according to USA Today.
Deanna took to Twitter, saying: "I am appalled at what was said on The Kimberly and Beck Show. I have never and would never spew such racist hate. I’ve told management I won’t work at a company that employs people like this. I’m raising my children to love everyone and stand up for what is right. I will, too."
Shortly after, iHeartRadio posted a statement to Instagram, condemning Kimberly and Beck's offensive language, and reiterating they don't tolerate prejudice of any kind.
Apparently, this wasn't the first time Kimberly and Beck have made bigoted comments.
Avid 95.1 listeners have grown somewhat accustomed to Kimberly and Beck's offensive, prejudiced language. For example, Rochester local, @KonnorOBara, took to Twitter, recalling a 2012 segment in which they reportedly said that he was "the kind of gay who wears a kilt." Two years later, they reportedly called the transgender community "nut jobs."
Twitter user @CarnieGamer was also able to attest to Kimberly and Beck's use of hateful language. He tweeted, "I live in Rochester. You have no idea how happy the majority of us are that Kimberly and Beck are gone. They spew hate constantly and have been fired once before for their hatred. Let's hope this time it sticks."
Unfortunately, too many people with racist and prejudiced views have major media platforms, but we're glad Kimberly and Beck no longer have one... Good riddance.
If you are looking for ways to donate your time or money to Black Lives Matter and other antiracist organizations, we have created a list of resources to get you started.
