Following LaFlamme’s departure, discussions arose about what had “blindsided” her. The Globe and Mail reported that Michael Melling, then head of news, questioned who had authorized the decision to let LaFlamme’s hair go gray and was also the one to inform her of her termination.
In the wake of her departure, Canadians, online communities, and even businesses rallied in support of LaFlamme. One popular food chain changed its mascot and logo’s hair color from red to gray in solidarity. Subsequently, Melling was dismissed from his position.
The report further indicated pre-existing tensions between Melling and LaFlamme before her sudden exit. LaFlamme explained that since the onset of the pandemic, she had opted not to dye her hair, a choice applauded by women globally.
During a March 2023 interview with CBC News correspondent Arsenault, LaFlamme was pressed to confirm whether her gray hair was indeed the reason for her dismissal. While choosing her words carefully, she neither confirmed nor denied the speculation, stating, “It was a business decision, and that’s what I know. Legally, there’s only so much I can say.”
LaFlamme emphasized her desire to shift focus to her future career and noted legal constraints as one reason she refrained from further discussion on the matter.
Following her termination, LaFlamme garnered support from colleagues and supporters, initially sparking outrage and speculation of sexism and ageism among top executives at her former workplace.
Bell Media CEO Mirko Bibic clarified that LaFlamme’s age, gender, or hair color were not factors in her dismissal, but rather the evolving landscape of traditional media
