Global Calgary's Leslie Horton opens up about viral response to viewer's body-shaming email

Global Calgary's Leslie Horton opens up about her viral clapback to an insensitive viewer's email, which has garnered millions of views and support from celebrities like Michelle Pfeiffer and Jamie Lee Curtis. Leslie shares the empowering impact of community backing.
"The words just started coming out of my mouth," she told the Morning Show. "Did I rehearse them, no. Did I plan them, no... I just thought I get to draw a line when someone says something inappropriate to me, and the point of that email that he sent that day was to shame me, embarrass me and humiliate me."
Horton called out the email during a live broadcast last week, turning the body-shaming message into a teaching moment. "No, I'm not pregnant, I actually lost my uterus to cancer last year," Horton said, "Think about the emails that you send."
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[@patgenier1965]

From this 58 year old man, Bravo Leslie. You rock Lady. Beautiful in so many ways. Well done!

[@owenshikingandadventures9605]

Imagine being so insecure that you feel the need to not only think like this- but send an email about it. May whoever sent this stay confined to their basements, or get help.

[@aavvcc]

That guy has been sending her nasty emails for years. He definitely has issues. Do his actions not constitute harassment?

[@lantherpagdi]

absolutely! how do people get away with this

[@glennhankins6927]

She can easily block his emails if they're rude. No need for the grandstanding theatrics on national television. It's hypocrite women like her and the Hollywood hypocrites as well, that have been body shaming, hair shaming, skin colour shaming Trump for years

[@lisalangille822]

Yes, I agree! He should be charged with harassment; I don't know how he gets away with this either. Maybe she could charge his, but it is beneath her to do so. Probably thinks he's got something seriously wrong with him.

[@electrictroy2010]

OR… she could just block his email address. He keeps his right to free speech & she gets quiet .

[@rdh0924]

@@electrictroy2010 nope. We're not putting the blame on her. Grow up.

[@sibou2]

i want to give this woman a hug. that sounds brutal :(

[@tazochaiguy]

Hear, hear, Leslie! You're a gem, and I'm so thankful that you used your energy to clap back at that awful viewer. Thank you for being you, Leslie!

[@KM-sr9cc]

She is a courageous, strong, and well-respected woman.

[@Great_Sandwich]

There was no requirement to publicly address a private email. This was an embarrassing display.

[@Tinylittledansonman]

@@Great_Sandwich Oh she basically wrecked that little creep. I bet the level of embarrassment he feels right now is insane. Imagine being mocked by the entire world. Imagine how sad your life has to be to send 4 years of stalker style angry emails to a news reporter lol. So absolutely pathetic. Totally embarrassing but he totally deserved it. More people should face responsibility for what they say online.

[@Great_Sandwich]

​@@Tinylittledansonman Wrecked WHOM..? WHAT creep..? She didn't name anybody, it was totally anonymous. It seems to me the entire affair was embarrassing and undignified. She lowered herself by citing the insults against her. She should have just deleted the email and gotten on with life. It shows she has a thin skin, and he/she got under it. The humiliating insult made it to air, and yet the author remains anonymous. Not even close to being an even score, or in your mind, a victory for her. Quite the contrary.

[@Tinylittledansonman]

@@Great_Sandwich She wrecked some weirdo who sees the world like you do lol. Writing hatemail like that in general is so sad and pathetic no one would publicly admit to it. I think we should encourage her to release his full name and address on air, you are right there. Lets push her to really own the little incel.

[@Great_Sandwich]

@@Tinylittledansonman Oh, you know me so well, anonymous internet guy. She demeaned herself by putting those insults in people's heads. She let the author get under her skin. She lost. Simple as. Shame you can't see that. (And btw, between the two of us, who's the one throwing insults around?)

[@GrantKanigan]

Leslie is one of the best Calgarians ever. She does the city proud!

[@user-ld2rt2sg8m]

Leslie said “Not today.” we applaud her❤

[@charlenemillar7059]

Good for her for standing up against harassment! Where the hell does any male get off saying nasty things about women’s bodies? Enough of that already!!

[@RalphieMaysGhost]

Women are much more likely to body shame you, if you want to get technical.

[@nearcancelled]

Beautiful response. I'm sorry someone was so insensitive. Please ignore him if at all possible. Please. He is a miserable person looking for a reaction. Unfortunately, there are vicious people. You are amazing!

[@NahidTube]

I'm proud of you Leslie. You are an example for the young girls and boys too, who face bodyshaming

[@Great_Sandwich]

She wasn't publicly body shamed. It was an email. She could have kept her mouth shut and been just as bR@Ve.

[@NahidTube]

@@Great_Sandwich so when shaming is done privately it's ok for you?

[@Great_Sandwich]

@@NahidTube Yeah, totally the same thing. I guess this is how your mind works. You and she have something in common, then, which is why we see this humiliating, pointless drama played out on television. She embarrassed herself by disclosing what was in the email. She wasn't shamed publicly. She could have said nothing and kept her dignity. Instead, she had to needlessly disclose the pointed details of the email. Oh, well. "Some people" need to emote every minute of the day, I suppose. I mean, what was her thought process? Someone wrote a humiliating email -PRIVATELY- and she, what, decided that everyone needed to know the details? I can guarantee you that the person who wrote it is laughing his/her @$$ off, right now.

[@NahidTube]

@@Great_Sandwich you are entitled to your opinion, I don't see any point of continuing this conversation. Have a nice day

[@Great_Sandwich]

@@NahidTube And yet you replied. How odd.

[@julie5845]

Totally inappropriate! Keep your ignorant comments to yourself, there’s no need to send emails like that! 👏 for calling that out Leslie! You look fantastic!

[@sandya2948]

You are a great role model, Leslie. I am not from Calgary, so I haven’t watched your reports, but you truly impress me. Thank-you for your dignity, honesty and strength. You are lovely in every way.❤️

[@Fuzzy_Warbler]

Mad props to Leslie. That guy is a tool. I'm sorry, he's someone who may not have had the benefit of learning what it means to be a truly human being. Great job schooling the guy!

[@bstewnog]

Love this woman! I admire your courage. ❤️

[@charlesward9486]

A class act Leslie! The only thing she should have done is told viewers the name of the person that sent the email! Let that troll walk around in shame for a while!

[@bryanlb4987]

You look mighty fine to me. Glad you spoke out and shared your feelings. It is time these bullies got put down.

[@GregoryBoyce-sl9ny]

Good for you Leslie stand your ground and thank you for standing up to rude insulting people

[@gmchristie123]

Leslie you are an awesome lady and the people of Calgary love you!!

[@gwenvinoly8531]

Good for you Leslie. I have loved you and you humour for many years. You go girlfriend!! Life is full of jerks, we need to put them in their place and forget the them!! I’m proud to be a 61 year old grandmother who drives a truck. I have been bullied so many times, and I’ve just gotten stronger in-spite of their hateful words and actions. The world needs more wonderful people like you. ❤❤ All my love and warm fuzzies!! Gwen.

[@gisellepelletier56]

No matter how I feel about Global news...no one deserves that..when I used to watch Global , leslie and Jordan whitzle were my favorite 2 and leslie was always to me a real person and bad xmas dips!❤😂😂 Big hug

[@francisadam]

HAHA That dips segment remains on my to-watch EVERY SINGLE Christmas time! Cracks the entire family. Never fails.

[@stevewipf8207]

Good for you for speaking out. Love watching and listening to you Leslie!!

[@gailpuddester5777]

He is a creep. Can you block his emails? So sorry someone did this to you. By the way, you look great.

[@RonMulliganTB]

You had the choice of speaking out or staying quiet, as a late fifties male (with a Dad bod) I was beaming with joy as I watched this clip! What makes a person think they have the right to judge other people when in fact they should have chose to move on and be quiet? Be yourself and enjoy life, it's hard enough already!

[@swaddington9399]

It’s such a cowardly thing to insult people on the internet, most of these things people say they would dream of saying in person. So great to hear someone stand up against body shaming!

[@jograves892]

You are a class act👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@_LostAndFound_]

👏 👏 👏 way to go! What a classy way to tell that man to get over himself. My response would not be so damn calm.

[@DeniseDixson]

Leslie, you rock. You are a truly amazing person and we love seeing you every morning on our screens here in Calgary. You deserve to best celebrated in the best way. Congratulations on your courage. You inspire me.

[@ManyGhosts]

Good for her. It's sad that so many women have to deal with this type of hateful misogyny.

[@blackfoot7488]

Leslie, you’re the reason my husband and I tune into Global news every morning. You’re such a treat to watch.

[@karenacton3854]

It’s unfortunate people have to be this way……chances are they are unattractive and have no luck with women, angry, angry people. Then again they may be looking for all the others like them to join their rant. To this woman, thank you for calling this person out because this person needs some serious mental help, hopefully now he will get it and the message. Have yourself a great day and keep up the good work.

[@russdibiase]

i'm not a huge advocate of much but I loudly applaud the bravery of Leslie Horton

[@michaelcraigjesso6043]

One of my friends was a morning show girl. The amount of hateful, weird and just plain odd emails and messages that come in is staggering. I met her at the studio one time as we were leaving for a festival and she let me read the messages as we were driving. Most we laughed at because you have too, but man people are really really screwed up.

[@calabreese]

I am incredibly impressed by how calm and coherent she was in delivering a reply to someone whose comment didn't dignify a response.

[@annerobinson4604]

so very well said ... good for you standing up to a cowardly bully !!!

[@ww7116]

Those are horrible pants so don't blow too much sunshine up each other's a**. However I salute her for her words of wisdom and wish her the best of health.

[@arthurgay5746]

It's sick that people seem to think that only young hot girls are allowed to be meteorologists. When you described how you never even thought about the words that are coming out when you decided to speak your mind, you were speaking from the heart with your powerful inner voice and it was awesome to witness. There's plenty of negative things going on in the world right now for people to comment on with negativity. Anyone who feels it's necessary to leave a comment like that needs to have a good look in the mirror !!

[@griffin2263]

Imagine having such a sad life that you feel you can send emails like thought let alone to think of something like that .. clearly the man has no life .. good for her for saying something!!

[@shanegreenslade7017]

I love you Leslie, all of Calgary does too. You go girl.

[@dellahicks7231]

Go Girl, way to call that insensitive creep out! You keep doing you, you rock!! 🤘

[@Northerndoll]

Kudos! I am 59 too, in for a 60th road trip! An acquaintance kept hounding me to come hiking with them saying they'd get me back "in shape". For the most part i'd ignore him. One evening he said it in front of a group at an event. I called him out hard. Like Leslie it was unplanned and I eloquently put him in his place. The room went silent and then people started clapping and other women started speaking up. Ironically the man making the comments was obese. Internally i was seething. He knew a bit of my story. Most people know i had a brain tumour that messed up my balance and was one of the first canadian RNs to develop a latex allergy.That caused my asthma to become troublesome for yrs with high dose prednisone use. At 59, we have dealt with child bearing yrs, menopause, most likely diets to lose baby wt etc. I agree we now are comofrtable in our skins. If you don't like what you see move on.

[@samanthaclaw]

Past Calgarian here who used to watch the Morning Show- 1. Way to go Leslie ❤ 2. She's 59??! 😮 Wow! You look awesome and keep wearing whatever makes you feel good!

[@JeanneRapa-yl1qf]

I'm not Canadian but I've been following Leslie for years. She's very funny and she's good people. Glad she called him out. Everyone should just mind themselves. I wonder what this guy look like? Smh

[@annew8365]

Leslie, bless you. Thank you for showing us how to handle trolls. You’ve done this with such grace. I wish you and your family all the very best of health and happiness. 👏🤗

[@fredhammer6413]

I don’t like the fact that she insulted and harassed the viewer when all he was doing was attempting to congratulate her and give her a fashion tip. I think she’s actually the bully.

[@piersstronge1441]

Love it! Leslie is a Calgary treasure and I'll have words for anyone that says otherwise

[@elizabethsyoutube]

You’re an inspiration . Walking a little taller today because of you! ❤ Thank you!

[@jasonmiles158]

I hope this helps at least one person think before being hurtful for the sake of being hurtful. Good for you Leslie and, rest assured, I am quite sure you have contributed more to this world than most, and certainly more than someone who would write something like this. We are so glad you are healthy and happy.

[@charlenelohnes4698]

Im sorry that someone would do this to anyone. Let alone Global News.. you all are my favorites 💖🎉😂❤ thank you. I stand with all of Global.

[@raymanlegy]

She's amazing 👏. Great response.

[@gailrock9101]

Have watched and admired you for years. You are truly an inspiration Leslie. Thank you so much for speaking out. This definitely needs to become the norm in our society. Just keep being your true authentic self. You are loved

[@lukebeatty3842]

I full support you standing up and speaking to hate. Well Done, Another reason to move from Ontario to Calgary, you all have an amazing backbone! Mad respect to you all!

[@shannonoregan2235]

Love you Leslie! You're beautiful, funny, and a shining light here in calgary.

[@jacquelinecopping583]

😢I'm so sorry that happened to you. I admire and commend you for your response. LESLIE You RAWK ❤

[@stevejh69]

Leslie. Well said lady. A shameful thing to send you, neither funny nor humorous. A truly fantastic reply from you. I hope he is named so others can see what a disgusting thing he is.

[@plavertyrolf]

Good for you Leslie. Proud of you. ❤

[@gwaredd242]

Very gracious of her to not share his name... I would not be so gracious.

[@cinderella5053]

Leslie Horton rocks!! ❤❤❤❤

[@shanowskidel3732]

Love this! Thanks Leslie 😊

[@DeerheartStudioArts]

good for her! That shamer is just a sick person!

[@dianachambers9336]

Major respect!! Love her courage and applaud her for calling him out!

[@omw9965]

Leslie I support you 100% you are loved by many viewers even ones who never let you know as me, but I want to show the love by just writing these few words. You are a great person inside and out, your heart shines and makes the evil lash out with anger. So keep shining so maybe your outgoing love can affect everyone.

[@carrieselland2358]

Leslie, you are so classy and so glad you stood up to this totally inhuman person. We have always loved you and still do.

[@DH786CC]

More power to Leslie..🙏🏼

[@user-yn3mc7su4l]

Leslie you look beautiful and your personality is amazing love your respond

[@andrewthompson5728]

The dude who sent the email isn't human enough to validate a response.

[@c.theriault9978]

I don't particularly like any news broadcast one over the other, but I CHOOSE Global because of LESLIE HORTON. She is beautiful and quick to the point and has a great sense of humour. I respect her. Thank you Leslie!

[@jayjohnston398]

I salute you Leslie !!

[@bobwoods1302]

I would love to see a picture of the guy who sent that email.

[@lisalangille822]

Love you, Ms. Leslie!! You are a great representative of 50+ women, and I admire the classy choice of words you used to respond to such an ignorant troll. Whatever your inside voice wanted to say, your outside voice did you well!! I'm so glad to be able to say, "This a a great example of a true Canadian woman!"

[@TMartyArkley-ic4jj]

Always has been my favorite person on television morning show❤

[@theresetripi-schwalbach1801]

Good for you Leslie. No one has the right to make somebody feel bad about how their body looks good for you for speaking out and calling him out for his bad behavior.

[@darkenergy410]

Ah okay ,double standards tho , how many times did you have a laugh about Trumps hand size?

[@jacquiemarshall6843]

Way to go Leslie!

[@genehauser9217]

I’m glad you responded to that email Leslie. Does this guy have nothing better to do than to send hurtful emails to decent people? He obviously has issues and his name should be made public so he can be shamed too!!!

[@teresadavis528]

All respects to her. How mean that other people make a mean comments and make such an assumption about her. This lady could've died from cancer. People should think about it before sending off an email.

[@sherikent5976]

I have been watching you for just as many years and attended your functions in the city, as well have been on Global. Let me say you have a gorgeous figure...and lovely attire!. I don't know where that guy is coming from at all...what a jerk

[@user-st2bo3be8i]

Wow im impressed! Randomly stumbled accross this vid! Why cant ppl just keep there negotive self asorbing comments to themselves? Im absoulte sure the soul purpose was to humilate you to make himself feel better! He must have very sad life! Im so glad u stood up abd told him in such a nice manner what needed to be sed❤ 5:38

[@Jackielocks]

Good job! It’s so crazy..we’re supposed to grow old gracefully yet fight time and be plastic Barbie dolls for some people we don’t know to approve of when they catch a glimpse of us from their couch or pick up. It’s exhausting! Especially when you’re fighting serious health issues that convince you that you really don’t give a rat’s pattute if you still rate nine out of ten on the hottie scale. You’re sick and tired and who cares!?! Everyone else can just DEAL WITH IT!🤣 Love and Hugs 💞You Look Marvellous!💞

[@Sunnyskies1955]

Good for you Leslie!

[@billTO]

My late mother was taught by her grandmother (b. 1848) "If you can't say something nice, don't say anyrhing at all." Where have manners gone?

[@mrperry762]

Great Job Leslie , Your Beautiful , it is my pleasure to hear you most every morning! Keep up the great work . Remember a lot of people love you even though we don't even really know you.

[@christophercharles3169]

Her response was justified and showed a lot of restraint. There are just people in the world who feel better bringing other people down. They will always exist.

[@suetilston8733]

Good for her!!

[@doloresdizon3445]

I admire your courage, Leslie

[@cathyrichardson2582]

Thank you for sharing with us. You do not deserve stupid comments like that! Good for you!

[@tedcook8749]

I challenge this coward to come out of hiding! Love your attitude Leslie!

[@GuntherRommel]

She might not have *planned* to take him down, but holy smokes she *took him down*.

[@monaj33]

Finally, something worth listening to on the NEWS

[@sharonclemons2827]

You go girl! You are beautiful!🌺

[@lafawnduhhoneychild3548]

She is courageous, strong , and brave ...just like Caitlin Jenner !!

[@hollypietrzak5214]

I wonder why global puts the little traffic logo in the corner of the screen anyway?

[@scottiebritt3009]

Go Leslie!! I bet the male that sent the email looks more pregnant than her!!!

[@adiosgringo8200]

Leslie is an amazing strong lady who is awesome at her job. Love her. I watch global daily. So glad she has defeated cancer. Global mgmt needs to do more to protect their staff.

[@ruthburshtein6908]

Good on you Leslie - you look great and are a wonderful role model for real women everywhere!

[@richardbennett6900]

bravo Leslie, bravo. no person male or female has the right to judge anyone's body. your rock!

[@marilynroach7044]

She's a true Canadian! Ladies have courage.

[@back2barefootwithmariawern206]

I hope his intentions for you went to him. That he was shamed, embarrassed, and felt bad about himself. Kudos to you. You’re beautiful, smart and strong. Quite the package. ❤

[@MattTheLizard]

Leslie, you are awesome. This guy better hope he retains his anonymity...mobs can be cruel.

[@sagelake2468]

I am 59 too! You go girl!!❤

[@suetersmette4640]

Way to go Leslie. If that person is so confident in his nasty comments maybe he should be called out by name

[@sueellen8946]

Why not call him out - name him, publicly shame him & post the email he sent! He might think twice and let other hideous creatures know they can't hide behind a keyboard!

[@johntitorii6676]

Was a women

[@sumaalable]

Because two wrongs do not make a right. She did the right thing to not identify the man (yes johntitorri6676 she said man).

[@sueellen8946]

@@sumaalable In some instances you are correct - two wrongs do not make a right if it was a "one off" but he's been doing this for years to her and I do think he should be held accountable for his actions!