Fired Detroit Anchor Cleared to Work After On-Air Profanity Incident

Taryn Asher, a Detroit television anchor who was fired from Fox 2 Detroit after being caught on camera using profanity, has been cleared to work at another station. Her lawyer stated that a non-compete agreement, which had blocked her from employment in the Detroit market for six months after her termination in June, has been terminated.

Asher filed a lawsuit against Fox 2 Detroit, alleging gender discrimination and retaliation. The incident that led to her dismissal occurred in August when unearthed footage revealed a tense exchange. While Asher was reading a script on-camera, a supervisor's voice could be heard off-camera indicating the script was still being revised. Asher, apparently frustrated by the delay, made a comment and then, after the supervisor apparently left, was recorded saying, “Bitch! Jeeze, oh Pete! Can I please finish what I’m gonna say? What the f–k! Grow up!” She further expressed, “I’m so done with her antics, telling on me every five seconds. I’m done.”

Following the on-air outburst, Asher reportedly received a warning, then a suspension notice, and finally a termination letter citing "unprofessional behavior," including profanity and "outbursts in the newsroom."

In her lawsuit, Asher claimed the station discriminated against her by treating her less favorably than her co-anchor, Roop Raj, and terminated her contract when she raised concerns. She denied the allegations of "outbursts" and asserted that male colleagues accused of misconduct were treated more leniently.

Fox 2 Detroit, in its legal response, stated that multiple employees had complained about Asher's behavior in the week prior to her being placed on paid leave in November 2025. The station accused her of shouting at employees, repeatedly using profanity, and engaging in "confrontational and disrespectful interactions." One specific instance cited involved Asher allegedly shouting at colleagues after mistakenly believing an interview she had booked was assigned to Raj, when it had, in fact, been assigned to her all along.

Asher, who has worked in local news for 30 years and won 10 local Emmy awards, joined Fox 2 Detroit in 2007 and was promoted to co-lead anchor in 2022. Her attorney, Tad Roumayah, indicated that Asher is actively seeking new opportunities in the industry and hopes to continue her career in Detroit, where she has established connections with viewers.