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After 25 years in local broadcast journalism, Holly Morris signed off from Fox 5 DC in 2024—closing the chapter on a career that was anything but ordinary.

Though widely respected for her energetic reporting and award-winning storytelling, it wasn’t one of her many accolades that made her go viral—it was a live TV moment no one saw coming.

🎤 From Civil Engineer to Morning News Star

Born in Cincinnati, Holly Morris, 54, graduated from Duke University in 1993 with a degree in civil engineering. But instead of bridges and blueprints, she found her calling in broadcast news.

She joined WTTG Fox 5 in Washington D.C. in 1998, becoming a household name on the morning program Good Day DC. Her relatable charm and fearless field reporting earned her four regional Emmy Awards and a Murrow Award for Best Live Reporting.

But while she was building trust on-screen, life off-screen was far more turbulent.

Shannon Finney/Getty Images

💔 A Painful Divorce & On-Air Disclosure

In 2016, Morris shocked listeners on Fox 5’s own podcast when she opened up about her 2005 divorce from weatherman Tom Sater—a long-speculated newsroom scandal finally laid bare.

According to Morris, the split stemmed from Sater’s affair with a co-worker, later revealed to be anchor Gurvir Dhindsa, who went on to marry him and have twins. Worse, Morris discovered the betrayal after co-hosting newscasts with the same woman for months.

To this day, Morris has avoided naming names but described the dynamic as “awkward” and even accused Dhindsa of stalking her wardrobe choices and emailing her under a fake name.

“She’s cray-cray,” Morris said bluntly during the podcast.

⚖️ Rebuilding with a Lawyer — and a New Life

Despite the chaos, Morris eventually found peace. She reconnected with college friend and attorney Thomas Espy, married him in 2007, and the couple built a life together in Rockville, Maryland, with their son Hayden.

She has since referred to her divorce as “the best damn thing that ever happened to me.”

For readers navigating post-divorce transitions or seeking emotional clarity after betrayal, explore:
🔗 How to Rebuild After Divorce with Confidence and Legal Support
🔗 What to Know Before Marrying a Lawyer

🗣️ The Obama Inauguration Slip-Up

Morris also faced public outrage in 2013 when a live broadcast during President Obama’s second inauguration turned controversial.

While attempting to say “inaugural,” she accidentally uttered a racial slur live on air.

“It’s been a key n—— inaugural spot for over 150 years.”

The moment went viral instantly. Social media erupted with anger, accusing her of casual racism. Though Morris never publicly addressed the incident, some defended it as an unintentional slip.

Fellow journalist Russ Ptacek tweeted:

“Words can come out backwards live and sound offensive. Not funny, but not intentional.”

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📹 The Viral Dress Moment Everyone’s Talking About

In 2023, a clip from Good Day DC reignited the spotlight—though not for the reasons Morris likely hoped.

Wearing a short dress during a live segment, Morris unknowingly revealed more than intended due to an unfortunate camera angle. Neither she nor the cameraman reacted, and the moment aired without correction.

The clip exploded online, garnering millions of views on YouTube and intense discussion across forums.

“After this day, it’s like a memo went out,” one viewer noted. “The last couple of weeks have been brutal. Mainly pants and long dresses on everyone.”

This unscripted moment—whether embarrassing or empowering—sparked renewed conversation about on-air dress codes, live TV pressure, and the public’s obsession with female anchors’ appearances.