Tony Massarotti Faces Criticism for Using Racial Slur On-Air, Calls for Firing Follow

Tony Massarotti, a well-known Boston sports radio personality from 95.5 The Sports Hub, has landed in hot water once again, this time for allegedly using a racial slur during a live broadcast. On October 16, while speaking on the “Felger & Mazz” afternoon show, Massarotti made a controversial comment directed at Generation Z, leading to immediate backlash.

In a lighthearted conversation with his co-host, Michael Felger, Massarotti quipped, “I’ve determined, incidentally, that the ‘Z’ stands for ‘zi*perhead.'” According to Urban Dictionary, this term has a deeply offensive history, originating from the Korean War, where soldiers used it to refer to Asian individuals. The derogatory term came from the belief that tire tracks left by military jeeps on bodies resembled the pattern of a zipper. Despite the context being more than half a century old, the term remains widely recognized as an offensive racial slur.

pic.twitter.com/sPWHJ5KdAk

— Dave Cullinane (@davecullinane) October 16, 2024

Once the segment was shared on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), on October 17, public outrage quickly followed. Many users called for Massarotti’s immediate firing, with comments flooding in, expressing shock and dismay over his choice of words. One user bluntly stated

, “Legitimately, fire him.” Another chimed in, calling Massarotti a “dummy” for his insensitive remark. The criticism escalated, with some labeling him “racist” and demanding swift action from the radio station.

One particularly shocked user wrote, “How isn’t he fired by the end of his show? That is actually straight-out racist.”

Dude should be EXILED.

— Machine Gun Philly (@xXPhillyCXx) October 16, 2024

Massarotti’s Troubling History of Offensive Remarks

This recent incident is not the first time Massarotti has been criticized for racially charged comments. In 2022, he was suspended from his radio show after making a racially insensitive remark while his co-host, Michael Felger, was working remotely from a hotel in New Orleans. During the broadcast, two African-American men were seated behind Felger, prompting Massarotti to make an offensive comment about the individuals.

He said, “I wanna know now who the two guys behind you are. They can’t hear us, right? OK, so I would be careful if I were you. Because the last time you were around a couple of guys like that, they stole your car.” Massarotti later explained that the remark was meant to be a joke referring to a past incident where Felger’s car had been stolen in New Orleans. However, the comment was widely condemned, leading to Massarotti being placed on unpaid leave.

In a subsequent apology posted on X in February 2023, Massarotti admitted his remarks were hurtful and insensitive, expressing regret for crossing the line. He acknowledged that his words damaged the cause for racial and social equality, which he claimed to support.

Nobody ask Tony what he thinks of Gen N

— Pearl Cullinane’s Ghost (Kirks Caddie) (@KirksCaddie) October 17, 2024

Legitimately, fire him.

— Mojo (@Mayor_Mojo) October 17, 2024

Silence from Massarotti and The Sports Hub

As of now, neither Tony Massarotti nor 95.5 The Sports Hub has publicly addressed the latest controversy. The absence of an immediate response from the radio station has only added to the public’s frustration, with many calling for more accountability from both the host and the network. Whether this will result in disciplinary action similar to his previous suspension remains to be seen.

Massarotti’s repeated brushes with controversy suggest a pattern that raises serious concerns, especially given the platform he occupies in Boston’s sports media landscape. The public will be watching closely to see how this incident unfolds and whether it marks the end of Massarotti’s long tenure on air.

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