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Journalist slams viewer saying she showed 'too much cleavage'

A TV journalist has slammed a viewer who sent her an email criticising what she was wearing during a broadcast, saying she was showing "too much cleavage".

Canadian newsreader Kori Sidaway took to Twitter to share the email she received from the viewer who complained about her long-sleeved white top.

Kori Sidaway on air
Journalist Kori Sidaway was told she was showing "too much cleavage" during a recent broadcast and the Internet has rallied around her. Photo: Twitter/Kori Sidaway

She shared a message written by the viewer, who wrote, "TOO MUCH CLEAVAGE CAN BREAK YOUR NEWS STORY."

"Don't let it happen to you... Attached are 2 photos. What you think we see and what we actually see.

"Dress appropriately, it was hard work to get there."

The email was then bizarrely signed off as the "Vancouver Island Cleavage Patrol".

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Kori shared the screenshot alongside a photo of herself presenting the news that the viewer found so inappropriate, as well as the photo they referred to as "what we actually see".

She said, "This screenshot was sent to me and my colleagues in an attempt to shame and police my body. Well, I’m taking my power back.

Email to Kori Sidaway
The viewer called themselves "Vancouver Island Cleavage Patrol" in the bizarre email. Photo: Twitter/Kori Sidaway

"To the nameless computer warrior(s) who try to reduce women into an outfit or a body part — this generation of women, doesn’t stand for harassment."

The Tweet quickly garnered a lot of attention, mostly from women who shared their support or their own stories of harassment.

Fellow Canadian journalist Penny Daflos responded, "The top is beautiful and there was nothing wrong with it. The keyboard critics need to shut up because no one cares about their antiquated ideas or sexist opinions.

"Women journalists aren’t there to be ogled, we’re there to do our job. Full stop."

US journalist and TV host Camila Gonzalez added, "I got an anonymous handwritten letter delivered to my network two weeks ago saying "decent men don’t want to see your ‘low cut tops.’

Woman wearing white top
The emailer said that this photo depicted what they "actually see" when Kori wore the white top. Photo: Twitter/Kori Sidaway

"It shows poor taste in character. Hope you come to your senses and stick to doing your job.” I hate to hear it’s happening across Canada."

Canadian journalist Alanna Kelly said, "WHAT. This is insanely rude, [inappropriate] and disgusting."

A former journalist added, "Back when I was anchoring - like back in the 90’s (the olden days), I was told to always wear long sleeves because my bare arms were to provocative... My. Bare. Arms!!!!"

One man wrote, "This is a shameful reality which thankfully does not represent everyone. I'm very sorry you were labelled. Your intellect have far more importance than physical characteristics. That is the true bottom line. Respect for you."

Tweets to Kori Sidaway
Kori received hundreds of responses, including many from fellow journalists. Photo: Twitter

One user joked, "Breaking news: Woman has breasts. I love your outfit. Completely professional."

Another said, "Unreal. I’m sick of this behaviour. This is the insidious stuff that weighs on many women’s minds constantly. We stand with you. Don’t question yourself."

"That's absolutely disgusting, I'm so sorry that happened to you. The fact that people say misogynistic stuff like this is absolutely pathetic. Keep staying strong and fighting the good fight," someone else added.

Following the hundreds of responses, Kori Tweeted, "Well this kind of blew up."

She added, "Thank you all for sharing your own stories & kind words. I feel so much less alone, so supported and so much more empowered. You helped take my lemon and made lemonade."

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