Daily BrewHydro One rehires man fired for FHRITP harassment of reporter
Hydro One confirms it has rehired a man fired last year after he participated in an on-air sexual harassment of a CityNews reporter in Toronto.
Shawn Simoes was rehired by the public company after an arbitration process, Hydro One confirmed Monday.
“There is an arbitration process in place. Hydro One made its views very clear. This matter was resolved through the arbitration process. We will not comment any further on the matter,” Daffyd Roderick, Hydro One director of corporate affairs, said in an email.
Last May, Simoes defended a man who yelled “F–k her right in the p—y” at CityNews reporter Shauna Hunt while she reported on air outside Toronto’s BMO Field. Simoes said the slur was “f–king hilarious” when Hunt confronted the harasser.
A public backlash against Simoes and the other man ensued, and Hydro One fired Simoes for what it called a violation of the company’s code of employee conduct. After his dismissal Simoes wrote a letter of apology to Hunt that was described by City as “very genuine.”
“I am aware the Hydro one worker fired over FHRITP has been rehired,” Hunt tweeted Monday. “Hydro One let me know in advance.”
She wasn’t immediately available for comment.
Beginning with an online meme in 2014, shouting “FHRITP” and other vulgar phrases at female reporters has become increasingly common. The incident involving Simoes is one of many that involve shouting obscenities at female reporters while on the air. Toronto Police looked for a man who yelled the misogynistic slogan at CBC reporter Charlsie Agro during a PanAm Games broadcast, saying that criminal charges may be applicable.
Female reporters including Hunt have spoken out about the harassment and how it affects their ability to feel safe while they do their jobs. CBC’s Shannon Martin said it has happened to her several times. ᐧ
Click here for social media reaction to Hydro One’s decision to rehire Simoes.
