Canadian news outlet forced to respond after claims they fired popular anchor Lisa LaFlamme over her grey hair

A popular Canadian journalist has gone viral on social media after revealing that she was let go from her role of 35 years.

Lisa LaFlamme, 58, has claimed that she was was unexpectedly fired from her role as a news anchor on CTV National News after 35 years spent working for the network.

She addressed the situation in a video uploaded to Twitter, which has already been viewed 4.6 million times.

Lisa said: “Today with a range of emotions I’m sharing with you some information about me and my career with CTV News.

“For 35 years I have had the privilege of being welcomed into your homes to deliver the news on a nightly basis so I felt you should hear this directly from me.

“On June 19th I was informed that Bell Media made a ‘business’ decision to end my contract bringing to a sudden close my long career with CTV News.

“I was blindsided, and I’m still shocked and saddened by Bell Media’s decision.”

Lisa went on to say that she was asked to keep the information she had been told confidential, but she felt that she could not keep silent about the matter.

“At 58, I still thought I’d have a lot more time to tell more of the stories that impact our daily lives,” she continued.

“While it is crushing to be leaving CTV National News in a manner that is not my choice, please know reporting to you has truly been the greatest honour of my life and I thank you for always being there.”

The speculation for the reasons behind the decision include that Lisa stopped colouring her hair during the pandemic - she decided to let her natural grey to grow out instead of dyeing it a dark brown.

This caused outrage and an open letter was published in Globe and Mail , which was backed by 70 Canadian public figures such as Kathleen Wynee, Anne Murray and Jim Balsillie.

It said: “In making their ‘business decision,’ Bell confirmed one sad truth: even after all the progress women have made, they continue to face sexism and ageism at work every day in a way which is unacceptable.

“We also believe that it is not the mistake that matters, but rather how we respond to that mistake.

“And this is where Bell has failed for a second time.”

Bell Media released a statement on the situation, they said: “Recognising changing viewer habits, CTV recently advised LaFlamme that it had made the business decision to move its acclaimed news show, CTV National News, and the role of its chief news anchor in a different direction.”

Lisa will be replaced with national affairs correspondent Omar Sachedina who has been with the network since 2009.