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Ex-Fox anchor fighting back after firing
Mike Barz wants the world to know he never groped, fondled or even hugged the co-worker whose complaint against him led to his firing as morning news anchor at Fox-owned WFLD-Channel 32.
In his first public comment since his dismissal last summer, Barz, 39, called the episode “a fabricated story” and said he is taking legal action to win reinstatement and back pay. An arbitration hearing is expected to be scheduled this week.
“I expect that as this process plays out, people will realize the truth,” he said. “It’s all been very unfair and unfortunate because it has dragged my name through the mud.”
A Fox Chicago spokeswoman confirmed that the station was aware of his grievance, but declined to comment on personnel matters.
For a time, Barz seemed to be on a fast track to network stardom. A seven-year stint as morning sports anchor on Tribune Co.-owned WGN-Channel 9 led to a high-profile gig as features correspondent and fill-in wea Mike barz!