A beloved gay weatherman has been unceremoniously fired after he took to social media to call out a group of gun-toting “white supremacist” and “Nazi” sympathizers attending local anti-lockdown protests last month.
Sven Sundgaard, 39, is a gay vlogger and until last week, was the weatherman for TV station KARE 11, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for more than 14 years.
Sundgaard was reportedly let go last week after he shared a Facebook post on April 19 from Minneapolis Rabbi Michael Adam Latz that referred to some anti-lockdown protestors in Minnesota as “white nationalist Nazi sympathizer gun fetishist miscreants,” according to CityPages.
A group of protestors, many carrying rifles and pro-Trump gear, gathered outside the home of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on April 17 after the president tweeted that day: “LIBERATE MINNESOTA!”
One protester was photographed carrying a large sign with an image of Gov. Walz with a Hitler mustache and the word “Fuhrer” written above his head.
Matt, this was YOUR protest, not THEIR protest. You attended the #LiberateMinnesota protest. You violated the #COVID19 mitigation strategies promoted by Pres. Trump and Gov. Walz. BTW: Describing your protest as "mean" is accurate as protesters were comparing Gov. Walz to Hitler. pic.twitter.com/5RDY8ui6zC
— Michael Brodkorb (@mbrodkorb) April 19, 2020
As we have previously reported, several anti-lockdown protesters have been seen carrying signs with Nazi slogans and swastikas.
Sundgaard later deleted the post, but a far-right group was quick to call for his resignation.
The TV station announced on May 1 that the weatherman had been fired.
KARE 11 wrote on Facebook: “Due to continued violations of KARE 11’s news ethics and other policies, we have made the decision to part ways with Sven Sundgaard. We hope you continue to turn to KARE 11 for your news, traffic, weather and more.”
However, fans of Sundgaard took to Facebook to protest his unceremonious firing.
One wrote: “I am on the side of science and Sven. Due to the poor ethics of KARE 11, I have decided to part ways with KARE 11.”
“Disappointing that voicing the truth can cost someone their job,” said another. “No more KARE 11 in our house.”
On Tuesday, Sundgaard publicly addressed his dismissal in a Facebook post.
“Hello everyone, I see you, I hear you, I love you all!” he wrote. “I first want to thank those who have supported and followed me throughout my time at KARE 11. And, I am especially grateful to those who have sent supportive and kind messages over the last several days since the station so publicly announced that it had parted ways with me – and then published its alleged reasons for doing so.
“Your overwhelming support has been incredible. Thanks to those that have been sharing advice and information with me. Please keep all of this coming – it really does help me get through the days in this strange and difficult time.
“Many have asked me about KARE 11’s post regarding my employment and separation from employment.
“Here’s what I have to say about that for now: I disagree with and dispute my former employers claims and I am considering my options at this time. Thank you again.”
Sundgaard, a graduate of St. Cloud State University, joined KARE 11 in 2006 and has built a following among viewers and on his popular social media channels.
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