Reporter claims viewer complained about his 'gayness' and asked for him to be taken off air

He claims the viewer said children should not be allowed to watch people of his sexuality on television

The viewer called McCoy a 'disgrace to Arkansas' and said children should not be allowed to watch him on television (YouTube)

A news reporter has claimed a viewer complained about his “gayness” and asked for the journalist to be taken off air.

Mitchell McCoy, who works for Fox and KARK-TV in Little Rock in Arkansas, shared a screenshot of the email on Twitter. “I get many emails but this tops it,” McCoy wrote. “I've dreamt of being a reporter since I was 9 and I won't stop on your behalf.”

The viewer called McCoy a disgrace to his hometown and said children should not be allowed to watch people of his sexual orientation on tv.

“I have been holding back for months but I can’t stand your gayness,” the email reads. “You are on television every night and our children should not be watching people like you. You are a disgrace to Arkansas and I will be asking your boss to take you off.”

“Do not be offended but society is not ready for gay men reading news,” it concluded.

McCoy, who has received an award from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, told The Independent he was overwhelmed by the global support he had received.

“I am overwhelmed by the support from Arkansans and people all over the world,” he said. "I felt broken at first but the e-mail gave me strength I've never had before. I chose to use the words as motivation and empowerment. Because of one person's email, It's encouraging men and women all over the world to be who they want to be."

Kark’s news director, Austin Kellerman, expressed support for his employee. “As public figures, our journalists often receive messages from viewers - some good, some bad,“ Kellerman told Arkansas Online. ”It's part of our profession. Mitch is a great journalist, and we're happy to have him on our team.”

McCoy has also received many positive comments from fellow journalists and viewers.

“Leep on keeping on. Don't let anyone get you down. There will always be haters. Make them your motivators,” wrote CNN anchor Don Lemon. While Andy Towle the director of popular LGBT news site Towerload said, “Great response Mitchell McCoy. Ignore the haters.”