(WWJ) He's one of metro Detroit's most well-known investigative reporters, but now Kevin Dietz says he longer works at WDIV after a joke he made about diversity.
Dietz went public on Facebook, explaining what he says happened.
Basically, he claims his career ended at WDIV after he made what he thought was a joke at an investigative news conference about cropping a black reporter out of a group photo. "The intent of my comment was to openly acknowledge, amongst team members, the challenge it's been for our company, and many companies, to achieve diversity goals." he wrote.
See his full explanation below.
Dietz apologized, though noted the man in question was not offended.
He also notes alcohol was an issue, writing, "It is important to include the fact that alcohol was provided at this event and, according to management, was a factor in my termination."
Dietz faced legal issues related to drinking when he was arrested by Bloomfield Hills police Feb. 12, 2013, for operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.17 or more. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 30 days in jail, plus $1,725 in fines, and mandatory attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
On his departure, WDIV's general manager Marla Drutz told the Detroit News in an email, "We have had a long relationship with Kevin, and these types of decisions are never easy. Personnel issues such as this are respectfully private and we will have no further comment."
