Carissa Codel, a news anchor in Ozark, Montana, discovered a surprisingly effective weapon against online negativity: humor. Instead of engaging in arguments with those who criticize her appearance, she began responding to their comments with a unique and witty twist.
Codel, the face of “Ozark’s First” on FOX49, started sharing videos online where she delivers scathing comments – about her body and weight – with the polished tone of a seasoned newscaster. The videos quickly went viral, captivating audiences with her clever comebacks.
“Dayumm Gurl, I want you to put a hurting on me like you do those midnight snacks,” she read in one clip, adopting a voice eerily similar to a popular animated character, before dryly adding, “I don’t think I will.” It’s a playful dismissal that perfectly encapsulates her approach.
Another commenter wrote, “I ain’t never work as hard as them ankles.” Codel’s response? “Ladies, if your man doesn’t work harder than your ankles, get another one.” Her quick wit transforms insults into moments of empowering amusement.
She doesn’t stop there. “Why have fake news when you can have cake news?” she quipped with a chuckle. “Yeah, if I could have a cake what would I be. Leave a comment. Or maybe, don’t.” The playful sarcasm is disarming and undeniably funny.
Codel began creating these videos in August, realizing the absurdity of some of the negativity directed her way. What started as a personal coping mechanism quickly blossomed into a viral sensation, attracting a dedicated following.
Her social media presence exploded, gaining her over 239,000 followers on one platform and 125,000 on another. But for Codel, the numbers aren’t the point; it’s about finding the humor in a situation that many find deeply hurtful.
Surprisingly, the harsh comments don’t bother her. She finds them “hilarious,” particularly those that demonstrate a degree of creativity. Codel comes from a family known for its resilience, and she’s never been easily shaken by criticism.
Interestingly, the volume of negative comments has actually decreased over the past three years, coinciding with her personal journey of losing 55 pounds. She finds the irony amusing, often responding with, “Oh, you think I’m big now, you should have seen me back then.”
It’s not all negativity, however. Many viewers express admiration for Codel’s curves, with comments like “Fe fi foe yum.” Her response? A playfully exaggerated claim of towering height: “Everyone knows I’m 6-(foot)-5 without the shoes.”
When one commenter noted she was the subject of a famous song, Codel retorted, “If you don’t get that reference, it’s time to do your homework and go to bed.” She doesn’t shy away from challenging her audience with a touch of playful sass.
Initially, Codel worried that her viral videos might damage her credibility as a journalist. Instead, she discovered they fostered a deeper, more authentic connection with her audience, proving that personality and humor can be powerful tools for engagement.
