A Missouri morning news anchor has captured the attention of social media users for her humorous approach to dealing with online trolls. Carissa Codel, who anchors “Ozark’s First” on Fox 49, is gaining notoriety for her lighthearted videos in which she reads out loud some of the more ridiculous comments about her appearance.
Sweetly mocking her detractors, Codel has transformed their comments into a source of entertainment. One viral moment features her reading a cheeky line: “Dayuum Gurl, I want you to put a hurting on me like you do those midnight snacks.” Another showcases a viewer’s remark that she “could survive a harsh winter,” prompting her to deliver the quip with a playful tone that has resonated with her audience.
The entertaining clips, which started in August, have significantly boosted her social media presence. One particular video from October racked up a staggering 5 million views on Instagram, helping her amass a following of over 222,000. She is also gaining traction on TikTok, where her follower count stands at 116,400.
Codel, who stands at 5 feet 3 inches and weighs 180 pounds, noted that her inspiration for the videos came from particularly spicy viewer comments—one which described her as “built for breeding” elicited genuine laughter from her. Despite facing a slew of brutal remarks, she embraces the humor in them. “It doesn’t affect me at all. I think they’re hilarious,” she explained. While she does refrain from sharing the most hurtful comments, she appreciates the creativity of the insults.
Her resilience can be attributed partly to her personal fitness journey; she lost 55 pounds over the last three years. Codel manages to navigate the complexities of public perception with a keen sense of self-awareness. “I know who I am, and I know what I look like,” she said, which helps her maintain confidence in the face of criticism.
Some comments have taken a more suggestive turn, with viewers expressing their attraction to her curvy figure. One admirer proclaimed, “Fe fi foe yum,” while another humorously noted, “Brick wall, more like brick house, and I’m looking to move in.” Remarks such as “She got enough muffin tops to start two bakeries” further reflect the playful banter that Codel has managed to cultivate online.
Initially nervous that her comical approach might tarnish her credibility as a news anchor, Codel found that her engaging content has only deepened her connection with her audience. “I think they see me as a more genuine person,” she remarked, emphasizing how her personality shines through beyond the traditional reporter facade. Her lively response to online trolls has turned her into a viral sensation, demonstrating the power of humor and authenticity in the era of social media.
