Fox 2 Anchor Taryn Asher Files Gender Bias Complaint

Asher alleges unfair treatment compared to male colleagues and retaliation for raising concerns

Apr. 9, 2026 at 7:04pm

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a shattered TV camera lens and a crumpled contract document on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the gender discrimination issues raised in Taryn Asher's complaint against her former employer.The shattered lens and crumpled contract symbolize the breakdown of equal opportunities and fair treatment for women in the media industry, as alleged in Taryn Asher's gender bias complaint against Fox 2 Detroit.Today in Detroit

Fox 2 Detroit anchor Taryn Asher has filed a gender discrimination complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, alleging she was subjected to less favorable treatment than her male counterparts, including fewer opportunities, less desirable assignments, and a less accommodating schedule. Asher also claims the station retaliated against her by reducing her responsibilities, falsely accusing her of unprofessional conduct, and suspending and ultimately terminating her employment.

Why it matters

Asher's allegations highlight ongoing concerns about gender bias and unequal treatment of women in the media industry, particularly in high-profile anchor positions. Her case could set an important precedent and prompt further scrutiny of workplace practices at local TV stations.

The details

According to the EEOC complaint, Fox 2 Detroit provided Asher's male colleague with 'a greater number of opportunities, more desirable assignments, and a more favorable and accommodating schedule.' When Asher complained about the discrimination, the station allegedly retaliated by further reducing her responsibilities, falsely accusing her of unprofessional conduct, and subjecting her to a 'baseless investigation.' Asher was then placed on indefinite suspension and ultimately terminated.

  • Asher filed the EEOC complaint in March 2026.
  • Asher has been off the air since November 2025.
  • Asher revealed her lengthy absence on social media in February 2026, mentioning she was 'thoughtfully working through an unexpected work-related matter.'

The players

Taryn Asher

A longtime anchor at Fox 2 Detroit who has won 10 local Emmys for her work. Asher joined the station in 2007 and took over as lead anchor in 2022.

Roop Raj

Asher's co-anchor at Fox 2 Detroit, who took over the lead anchor role in 2022 along with Asher.

Huel Perkins

A longtime anchor at Fox 2 Detroit who retired in 2022.

Monica Gayle

A longtime anchor at Fox 2 Detroit who retired in 2022.

Matthew Turner

The attorney representing Taryn Asher and the Southfield-based Sommers Schwartz litigation firm.

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What they’re saying

“She was being treated differently because of her gender from her male counterpart, and they retaliated against her for raising those concerns.”

— Matthew Turner, Attorney for Taryn Asher

“Thank you to everyone who has reached out with love and kindness these past 3 months. I miss connecting with you each day. I'm thoughtfully working through an unexpected work-related matter. Grateful for time away with loved ones. I hope to see you soon.”

— Taryn Asher

What’s next

Asher's attorney says the next step is to pursue a gender discrimination lawsuit after filing the EEOC complaint.

The takeaway

Taryn Asher's allegations of gender bias and retaliation at Fox 2 Detroit underscore the ongoing challenges women face in achieving equal treatment and opportunities in the media industry, even at the highest levels. Her case could set an important precedent and prompt further scrutiny of workplace practices at local TV stations.