MARQUETTE — Following allegations of mishandling sexual harassment complaints by a TV6 news personality who allowed herself to be terminated rather than getting the COVID-19 vaccine, TV6 issued a statement.

“WLUC is proud of our staff who work tirelessly every day to serve the people of the U.P. and is deeply committed to creating and maintaining a positive and inclusive workplace. While we do not discuss specific employee matters, WLUC takes all employees’ concerns seriously, and we thoroughly investigate whenever a concern is raised,” read the statement, which was attributed to TV6 General Manager Rick Rhoades, in part.

The statement follows a Facebook post made by former TV6 News anchor Sarah Blakely, who alleged the station mishandled her claims of sexual harassment by a coworker and a the related corporate-led human resources investigation. She also alleged the coworker, who Blakely says was later fired for reasons unrelated to her allegations, entered her home without permission.

“I have been so unhappy that I have been wanting to leave for months but was trapped by my contract, so this policy was, in many ways, my escape route,” said Blakely, referencing a new policy mandating vaccines for employees, which was put in place by Gray Television, WLUC’s parent company.

Charges are pending against Blakely’s former coworker in Marquette’s 96th District Court for Breaking and Entering Without Owner’s Permission. The Daily Press does not name individuals accused of crimes prior to court arraignment.

Blakely is the second TV6 News personality to make a public statement after leaving the station as a result of the new vaccine policy. The first was Meteorologist Karl Bohnak, who worked for TV6 for 33 years.