It was revealed on Monday that Nashville television meteorologist Bree Smith Friedrichs on Monday joined the on-air lineup at WSMV 4 in a career change announced after Smith sued her former employer, NewsChannel 5, alleging it failed to properly respond to sexually inappropriate behavior and statements by a colleague.
WSMV 4 General Manager and Regional Vice President Jasmine Hardin said in a Monday statement, “We are thrilled to add Bree to the First Alert Weather team. Bree’s authenticity and relatability make her a favorite with viewers. Her passion for our community and the people who live here make her a great fit for the WSMV team.”
The announcement came exactly one week after Friedrichs filed her lawsuit against her former employer.
Accusing NewsChannel 5 of maintaining a “culture of sexism, harassment, and retaliation,” the complaint alleges that Friedrichs declined a contract extension after she “could no longer tolerate” the workplace. It specifically alleges that NewsChannel 5 “chose to enforce a pattern and practice of gender-based discrimination,” by allowing “a less-qualified male employee,” meteorologist Henry Rothenberg “to direct obscene behavior” to the plaintiff.
Alleged examples of uncorrected sexism and harassment from Rothenberg cited within the lawsuit include claims that he suggested in vulgar terms that Friedrichs was only hired because of her looks, regularly used derogatory insults to refer to female colleagues, and implied he would retaliate against anyone who complained about his behavior. Friedrichs further alleged that Rothenberg regularly failed to perform his job duties, particularly during weather emergencies.
NewsChannel 5 disputed Friedrichs’ claims in a statement posted to its website on last week.
“The leadership of NewsChannel 5 and our parent company, Scripps, work hard to create a positive work environment for our employees,” the station stated. “We take very seriously any claims of mistreatment and address them promptly. Any concerns brought to us by Bree were investigated thoroughly.”
Friedrichs filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee. She is seeking a jury trial to obtain a declaratory judgment against NewsChannel 5, an undisclosed sum for damages caused by emotional distress, punitive damages for the impact on her career, and her attorneys’ fees.
In 2024, SuperTalk 99.7 WTN host Dan Mandis questioned another NewsChannel 5 on-air personality, reporter Phil Williams, about his earlier decision not to report claims that State Representative Justin Jones (D-Nashville) covered up two sexual assaults during a 62-day protest in 2020. Williams told Mandis he was aware of the allegations, but that Jones declined to comment to Williams, and he was unable to find a source willing to go on the record.
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Tom Pappert is a 2025 recipient of the Dao Prize and the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star. He also reports for the Star News Network. Follow Tom on X. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Bree Smith Friedrichs” by Bree Smith Friedrichs.
