'Gimmicky' or 'fabulous'?: Wendy's Canada swaps mascot's red locks for grey hair to support axed CTV anchor Lisa LaFlamme
Wendy's Canada has entered the discussion on Bell Media letting go of legacy CTV News anchor Lisa LaFlamme in a new image posted on social media.
Because a ⭐️ is a ⭐️ regardless of hair colour. #LisaLaFlamme #NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/g7i7kqwYrw
— Wendy's 🇨🇦 (@WendysCanada) August 25, 2022
"Because a [star] is a [star] regardless of hair colour," the tweet from Wendy's Canada reads, just above a picture of the Wendy's mascot, with her red hair changed to a grey colour.
I have some news... pic.twitter.com/lTe3Rs0kOA
— Lisa LaFlamme (@LisaLaFlamme_) August 15, 2022
On Aug. 15, LaFlamme posted a video on social media where she stated she was "blindsided" by the move to end her contract.
"At 58, I still thought I had a lot more time to tell more of the stories that impact our daily lives," she said in the video. "Instead I leave CTV humbled by the people who put their faith in me to tell their story.
"While it is crushing to be leaving CTV National News in a manner that is not my choice, please know reporting to you has truly been the greatest honour of my life, and I thank you for always being there."
There was also a published report that quoted CTV News chief Michael Melling asking who "...let Lisa’s hair go grey?"
After Wendy's Canada posted their image, many took to social media to comment, and some want more action.
As a retired print journalist, proud of my silver-great hair, I give Wendy’s thumbs up for standing with broadcast journalist Lisa LaFlamme. pic.twitter.com/y8xIJzKJSG
— Marilyn A (@BabySnooks) August 25, 2022
I love seeing Orgs get behind #LisaLaFlamme ‘s unfair dismissal- while we name the grey hair, ageism, sexism etc let’s also name the patriarchal leadership systems that continue to
1. Protect & position
2. Give power to &
3. embolden the cis white men who inflict harm https://t.co/63B3CNVQDd— 👸🏽Emotions Are Data. Use It Wisely. (@KarlynPercil) August 25, 2022
While this is fabulous (and has earned you our sales today), it’s time for sponsors to really make a difference. No purchasing ad time on @BellMediaPR stations. @ctv @bell need to know there are real consequences for their misogyny and ageism.
— Gerri (@wildrose76) August 25, 2022
Feels just a touch inauthentic… Have you pulled ad sales from Bell Media? What is Wendy’s doing beyond a gimmicky colour change to Wendy to empower women and stop discrimination in the workforce? Would love to hear about the meanful change and support you’re providing!
— Lauren (@lzelly13) August 25, 2022
I love that u went w/ this shade🔥 pic.twitter.com/8zTqjGEMD8
— Derek Nason (@dereknason) August 25, 2022
Earlier this week, Dove launched its "Keep The Grey" campaign, with a video posted by the company on social media reading, "women with grey hair are being edged out of the workplace."
"Dove is going grey," the message reads. "Together we can support women aging beautifully on their own terms."