Washington D.C. radio host Michael Sorce, known as Don Geronimo on air, has been fired by WBIG-FM following a series of remarks he made towards WUSA9 Washington D.C. reporter Sharla McBride during the Washington Commanders training camp.
Geronimo’s remarks came to light after he was heard making derogatory comments about McBride while speaking with his co-host, Crash Young.
He shouted, “Hi, Barbie girl,” as McBride walked past him. He added: “I’m guessing she’s a cheerleader.”
After an internal review, iHeartMedia’s D.C. Region president, Aaron Hyland, announced that Don Geronimo is no longer employed by WBIG-FM. Hyland stated, “We take matters of this nature very seriously, and this behavior does not align with our core values.”
McBride expressed her feelings regarding the incident, telling ESPN: “When I heard the comments made about me on the radio show, I felt incredibly insulted and embarrassed.” She emphasized that in her 17 years as a professional journalist, she had never experienced such blatant disrespect while trying to do her job.
McBride described Geronimo’s words as “sexist and misogynistic,” and commended the Commanders for taking swift action to address the issue.
It’s not often I report at sunrise, but here we are! I’ll be out here all day at Commanders training camp. Day ✌🏻 pic.twitter.com/qDjok4gnyv
— Sharla McBride (@SharlaMcBride) July 27, 2023
The Commanders response to this incident reflects their commitment to creating a respectful workplace environment, especially after facing allegations of sexism and misogyny under previous owner Dan Snyder.
Snyder sold the team to an ownership group led by Josh Harris in an effort to address the culture of misconduct.
In light of the incident, the Commanders issued a statement to WUSA9, saying, “We have worked hard to ensure that everyone feels safe and respected in our workplace, and we took swift action when we learned that an employee of our partner iHeart made sexually disparaging remarks to and about a member of the media while she was broadcasting live from training camp yesterday.”
Geronimo had the following to say on social media…
“At this time I will not be providing comment on the events of the last few days. I am consulting with my advisers as to my options moving forward, including an accurate reflection of the situation.”
At this time I will not be providing comment on the events of the last few days. I am consulting with my advisors as to my options moving forward, including an accurate reflection of the situation. Thx -d.
— DonGeronimoShow (@DonGeronimoShow) July 30, 2023