A weather presenter was dismissed after criticizing Elon Musk’s actions related to a ‘Nazi salute,’ leading to termination from their job.
A weather presenter has lost her job after making strong comments about Elon Musk on social media.
CBS 58 in Milwaukee fired meteorologist Sam Kuffel following her critical posts regarding Musk’s actions at a recent pro-Trump rally.
Weather presenter Kuffel shared critical posts about Musk.
The controversy began when Kuffel shared her thoughts on Instagram.
She accused Musk of making a Nazi salute during the rally.
In one post, she referred to an image of him at the event, stating, “Dude Nazi saluted twice. TWICE. During the inauguration.”
This comment raised eyebrows and led to significant backlash.
Kuffel continued her criticism by posting a GIF from the TV show “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” along with a caption that included vulgar language, calling Musk a Nazi.
She added, “You f**k with this and this man, I don’t f**k with you. Full stop.”
Her strong language drew attention and sparked discussions about the appropriateness of her comments.
Weather presenter fired after criticizing Elon Musk over ‘Nazi salute’ incident
The following day, CBS 58 announced that Kuffel was no longer with the station.
Jessie Garcia, the news director, sent a memo to staff confirming her dismissal and stated that a search for her replacement was already underway.
A representative of Weigel Broadcasting Co. confirmed the decision to let Kuffel go.
This incident highlights how quickly social media posts can lead to serious consequences in the workplace.
Many in the media industry are now discussing the implications of such firings for freedom of speech and personal expression.
“Meteorologist Sam Kuffel is no longer employed at CBS58,” CBS 58 news director Jessie Garcia wrote to staffers in a memo that was obtained by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
“A search for a replacement is underway.”
Social media reactions
Some supported her stance against Musk, while others felt her remarks were inappropriate for someone in her position.
Good for her!! Kudos!! One user said.
She should just have focused on the weather. Simple, the second user wrote.
Elon musk needs to get SACK at the Superbowl with his natziz salute, the third user commented.
She was hired to do the weather, not the news or give political views, another user wrote.
Dan O’Donnell criticized Kuffel’s posts, calling them vulgar and accusing her of spreading false claims about Musk.
“CBS 58 meteorologist Sam Kuffel makes a pair of vulgar Instagram posts while spreading the lie that Elon Musk was giving a Nazi salute during yesterday’s Presidential Inauguration.”
O’Donnell claimed Musk expressed goodwill and that his gesture was misunderstood.
Musk himself responded to the backlash by defending his actions, stating that those accusing him of making a Nazi salute “need better dirty tricks.”
He also called the accusations tired and unoriginal.
Musk’s Defense
Musk explained that his gesture involved placing his hand over his heart before raising his arm to thank supporters.
In reaction to the uproar, he expressed gratitude to the Anti-Defamation League for their statement.
The ADL dismissed the claims that Musk’s gesture was a Nazi salute, labeling it as merely an “awkward gesture.”
Musk shared a light-hearted response on social media, thanking the ADL alongside a laughing emoji.
Kuffel’s career path
Sam Kuffel had been working in the Wisconsin area since graduating from college in 2016.
Before this incident, she had made headlines for her involvement in other controversies, including a public dispute with Fox Sports reporter Erin Andrews.
Kuffel accused Andrews of fabricating a weather alert during a Packers game, which led to Andrews reaching out to clarify the situation.
Now, with her firing, Kuffel faces an uncertain future in her career.
Losing a job over social media comments can be a significant setback, especially in the competitive field of broadcasting.
It raises questions about how other media personalities will express their views moving forward.