Pregnant meteorologist hits back at viewer critiquing her for 'form-fitting' outfits on TV with the ultimate response

A pregnant meteorologist delivered the ultimate response to a critic who sent a nasty message about her 'form-fitting' outfits while presenting on TV. 

Claire Anderson, a seasoned weatherwoman at Fox13 News who is currently eight months pregnant, shared an email that was sent to her earlier this month that was filled with nitpicking and disapproval over a dress. 

But the viewer's remarks did not sit well with the Anderson, who quipped back in a TikTok video: 'That's just what happens when you have a child.' 

In the email, the disgruntled viewer named Kathy pleaded: 'Please, PLEASE, pack away the form-fitting dresses until after the baby. 

'Your mommy bump has gotten so big that your overall appearance distracts from from your presentation. Something loose and flowing would be best.' 

While the self-titled 'well-wisher' complimented Anderson's work, calling it 'some of the best presentations on TV', she claimed it needed 'the undistracted attention of the viewers.'

During her short reply video, Anderson showed viewers a picture of the cream-colored outfit she had worn during her broadcast from the day she received the email. 

In the voiceover, Anderson added: 'Remember we are not supposed to comment on what women wear and look like, especially when we're pregnant.' 

Viewers quickly rallied to express support for Anderson and encouraged her to continue dressing as she liked. 

'Respectfully (or maybe not) disagree with her. Show off that bump!!! congrats!!,' one viewer cheered. 

While another added: 'I love love love when women wear their baby bump loud and proud!!!'

'My mom always makes judgy comments about pregnant women wearing tight clothing too. I think it's a generational thing, but I think baby bumps should be shown off,' one viewer also pointed out. 

Another shared their own situation and said: 'Me seeing this while on vacation in the Dominican Republic at seven months pregnant and chilling in a two piece bikini by the pool.'

'When I was pregnant was the first time I really felt comfortable and confident wearing form fitting clothes. I loved showing off the bump. Keep it up - you look great!,' another encouraged. 

While another also joined in and said: 'Keep doing you and rock the bump mama! Pregnancy is beautiful and does not take away from you as a professional.'

Although the email was not Anderson's first experience with harsh critics to her physical appearance as an on-air meteorologist. 

The weatherwoman told TODAY.com that unlike conventional news anchors, her whole body is on display when she presents her segment and is therefore completely visible to the audience. 

'You want people to be looking at the map, but they look at your body. And unfortunately, that is just part of the game. But it doesn't make it any easier,' she said. 

She also told the outlet that she was initially 'nervous' to share news of her pregnancy due to fear of receiving critical comments on her changing body. 

'For every 99% of happiness, there's always going to be that one person that has something to say. And, unfortunately, those are the ones that stay (in your mind).'

Furthermore, Anderson revealed that after receiving the email, she went to her friends to disappointment. 

But instead, they encouraged her to make a video and hit back against the critic. Ultimately, she decided to talk about the email to address the conversation around 'women supporting women'.  

'It's 2024, women support women, yet we still have the nastiest emails from women,' she says, adding that the majority of critical emails she receives regarding her appearance have come from older women.

'My message was just like, "Guys, remember, we are in a time, in place, in the world, where we don't need to be commenting on someone's body unless you think it looks amazing." 

'Unless someone asks you how they look, we don't need to be commenting. Especially in this day and age, fertility and being pregnant — people are open about it. 

'We don't know how long did it take to get pregnant? How hard was it? Was it emotional? Was it hard for you? Are you having a good pregnancy? Are you having a hard time? 

'I’m not changing who I am just because I’m pregnant and growing a child.

'We are in a time when we are healthy. We can have kids, and we can work full time. We are professional women, and we can be sexy, we can look good. 

'Just because we are pregnant does not mean we have to put on frumpy clothes anymore.'

Anderson, who recently celebrated 12 years in the TV broadcast industry, married husband Garret Verhoff in September 2023.