After announcing her pregnancy in September, ESPN broadcaster Molly McGrath has continued to work, travel and contribute as a sideline reporter. Earlier this month, McGrath shared a story of a troll shaming her physical appearance.
McGrath is a woman working in a male-dominated industry, and she’s likely dealt with numerous social media trolls throughout her career, but she admitted this one got to her more. The comment came from a person on Twitter, who later deleted the remark and tossed out the oft used excuse of being hacked.
“Last night I was on my feet for over 6 hours straight, in the rain, and knew that I would only get 3 hours of sleep because of a last second flight change. For the first time, maybe ever, I let a cruel troll tweet about the changes of my pregnant body get to me,” McGrath wrote on Instagram the next day, including a photo of her visibly pregnant, but still working.
“I am proud to be a pregnant woman working full-time and I am proud that the monstrosity of creating a human life has not, and will not, slow me down,” McGrath continued in the post.
In the weeks following her Instagram post, McGrath has received a slew of support from fans and colleagues who appreciated her willingness to express the challenge of working while pregnant, and the impact negative comments can have on a person.
Brandon Contes is a former reporter for BSM, now working for Awful Announcing. You can find him on Twitter @BrandonContes or reach him by email at Brandon.Contes@gmail.com.
