Kelly Bates Posts Tearful Video as Fans Launch Petition Calling for Her Return to WJAR-10

Kelly Bates Posts Tearful Video as Fans Launch Petition Calling for Her Return to WJAR-10

The Kelly Bates lovers are true believers — and now, they want her back. 

A petition has been started to bring back meteorologist Bates at WJAR NBC 10, who GoLocal announced Tuesday was let go from the station. 

The threat is that petitioners will stop watching the channel, unless Bates returns. 

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“Tell WJAR - NBC 10 you won't be force-fed a replacement just because she's a younger version!” states the petition on iPetition, which had nearly 1,500 signatures as of Wednesday morning.

"Tell [them] that unless they return Kelly Bates to her normal Meteorological time slots and renew her [full time] contract, we will no longer be WJAR - NBC 10 viewers," it adds.

SEE PETITION HERE

On Tuesday, Bates posted a tearful video to TikTok after being let go. 

“So today….today was an interesting day. I honestly didn’t think this day would to this way. But here I am,” said Bates, thanking supporters for their messages.  “I can’t wait to see what’s coming next, but right now I need a minute to breathe. Sorry, it’s just a lot.”

SEE VIDEO BELOW

Messages of support — and in opposition to the Sinclair-owned WJAR — had piled in for Bates on Tuesday. 

“Sad to see my good friend and colleague go. Kelly was a major reason for the success of [at] Weekend Sunrise…a true partner and professional who also liked to feed me!” wrote WJAR sunrise anchor Mario Hilario. “Simply the best.”

As GoLocal reported in 2011, WJAR had demoted Bates from the morning show only to have reversed course after viewers complained. 

In March 2021, Sinclair announced it would be cutting 5% of its workforce. 

In 2020, Sinclair came under fire for promoting a segment claiming Dr. Anthony Fauci was responsible for COVID -- which was hosted by Eric Bolling, who had left Fox News following sexual harassment allegations. 

 

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@kellybatesri

I am no longer employed by WJAR. Thank you so much for tuning. Sorry I can’t do this thank you video without crying. I have tried. No go. ##gratis

♬ original sound - Kelly Bates