Maurielle Lue, an Emmy Award-winning journalist, host of The Nine, and morning anchor on the FOX 2 News team. She also co-hosts The Noon on FOX 2 and is a rotating contributor on Dish Nation, where she’s become a fan favorite. With nearly two decades in broadcasting, Maurielle has captivated audiences with her on-screen charisma and professionalism, even adding film acting credits to her impressive resume.

From the outside, the glitz and glam of a life in the spotlight may seem effortless, but it comes with many challenges. Throughout her television career, Maurielle has experienced the highs and lows of fame and public recognition. The highs, such as the joy of connecting with fans and the thrill of hosting major events, have offered her incredible opportunities. She’s gained access to exclusive interviews, rubbed shoulders with high-profile personalities, and built a loyal following that admires her work both on and off the screen.

However, life in the public eye is not without its drawbacks. Maurielle has often faced intense scrutiny and criticism, with every on-air moment or social media post subject to public opinion. Like many public figures, she has felt the strain of maintaining an idealized image—always needing to be "on" and poised for the camera, even on her toughest days.

There’s also the lack of privacy that comes with fame. Maurielle’s personal life, like many who live under the spotlight, has at times been overshadowed by the demands of her public persona. From the outside, it might look glamorous, but behind the scenes, there are moments of loneliness and isolation that even the brightest spotlight can’t erase. Trust becomes a precious commodity when you’re not sure who truly has your back and who’s interested only in your fame.

Beyond the public perception, Maurielle’s career has also highlighted the pressures of fame on mental health. Balancing the demands of a high-profile career with personal well-being can be challenging, especially in an industry where image is everything. Yet despite these challenges, Maurielle continues to rise, facing them head-on with the grace and resilience that have made her a household name.

Fame can be a double-edged sword, bringing both thrilling highs and difficult lows. Through it all, Maurielle Lue has remained a dedicated journalist and beloved media figure, showing that even in the face of public pressures, authenticity and perseverance are the true keys to success in the spotlight.

I recently had an opportunity to speak with Maurielle, and here’s what we discussed.

BMM: You’ve been in DETROITS’ media spotlight for over a decade, what keeps you interested in journalism?

Journalism allows us to hold a mirror to society, shedding light on issues that matter, amplifying voices that often go unheard, and driving meaningful change. I feel a deep responsibility to uncover it, to present it with integrity, and to connect with my community through stories that inspire, inform, and ignite conversations that push us all forward. Journalism, at its core, is about making a difference—and that will always keep me passionate.

BMM: You recently spoke about the struggles you’ve faced—socially, mentally, and physically—while working in the media. Can you describe what those challenges look like?

Being in the spotlight brings unique challenges. Socially, it can be isolating, as it’s hard to know who’s genuine when everyone sees you through a public lens. Relationships often face pressure from constant scrutiny, which creates distance. Mentally, the pressure to always maintain a perfect image is draining. The fear of every misstep being magnified can lead to anxiety and self-doubt. Despite the love I have for my work, these struggles are a constant reminder that life in the public eye requires resilience.

BMM: How has being in the spotlight and the pursuit of perfection impacted you personally?

The pressure to always appear polished, even on my worst days, can be exhausting. At times, it’s made it difficult to separate my personal identity from my public persona, which affects how I relate to others and even to myself. Life in the spotlight has also taught me the importance of staying authentic. The pressure to be perfect can be overwhelming, but I’ve learned to embrace my flaws and let go of the need to always appear polished. People connect with realness, not perfection, and that’s what I strive for.

BMM: What are some of the specific challenges you’ve struggled with, and how have you addressed them?

I remember certain hair debacle after my stylist had canceled on me several times. Someone posted a picture online, and thousands mocked me. We all have off days, but have you ever had a picture of your bad day shared on social media 40 thousand times? The constant judgment can be mentally exhausting. I’ve learned to set clear boundaries, both socially and mentally. I’ve also embraced self-care practices to protect my mental health and remind myself that being authentic, not perfect, is what truly resonates with people. Staying grounded and focusing on what matters has helped me navigate these challenges with grace.

BMM: What does mental health mean to you, and what strategies have worked for you in managing it?

For me, the importance of mental health is rooted in mindfulness—being fully present and aware of my thoughts and emotions without judgment. It helps me stay grounded, especially in stressful moments. One simple way to practice mindfulness is through deep breathing exercises or meditation, which help calm the mind and center your focus. Taking time for small moments of reflection, like pausing before reacting or spending a few minutes each day unplugged from distractions, can make a big difference. Mindfulness allows us to slow down, stay present, and manage stress more effectively.

BMM: How can someone who appears to have it all—brains, beauty, success—still feel like they’ve missed the mark?

Even someone with brains, beauty, and success can feel like they’ve missed the mark because external achievements don’t always align with internal fulfillment. The pressure to maintain perfection can lead to self-doubt and a constant feeling of "not enough." Success often comes with high expectations, and when people focus only on the outward image, it’s easy to lose sight of personal joy and purpose. True fulfillment comes from balance, self-acceptance, and finding meaning beyond external validation, which is why even those who seem to have it all can still struggle.

BMM: What is one common misconception people have about You?

One common misconception people have about me is that I’m cold or harsh, but that’s not who I am at all. I’m a pretty private person, and sometimes the mystery around me leads people to fill in the blanks or make assumptions. In my work, especially when talking about tough topics, I’ve had to be a more serious and focused version of myself …But outside of that, I’m actually super sweet, girly, and all things pink. I'm way more laid-back than people might expect. Like everyone, I’m a work in progress, constantly growing and evolving. I just happen to do my growing in the public eye.

BMM: What advice would you give to someone struggling with anxiety or depression?

People struggling with anxiety and depression are told are often given tools that don’t work for them. My advice would actually be for the FRIENDS of people struggling with depression. If you have a friend struggling with anxiety or depression, understand that your support can make a huge difference, even if you don’t always know the right thing to say.

Don’t back away—your presence matters more than you realize. Cancelling plans might seem minor, but for someone battling depression, that lunch or meet-up could be the one thing keeping them going all week. Be there, even if it's just to listen or spend quiet time together. Small gestures like planning time to hang out, check-ins, or simply showing up can truly help save a life. Your support shows them they’re not alone in their struggle.

BMM: There’s a stigma around mental health within the Black community, which can make people feel uncomfortable or ashamed about seeking help, why is that?

The stigma around mental health in the Black community is shaped by historical, cultural, and societal factors, but religion and faith also play a significant role. Faith and spirituality are cornerstones in many Black families, often serving as sources of strength and resilience. However, this deep-rooted reliance on faith can sometimes create the misconception that seeking help for mental health issues reflects a lack of faith or trust in God. People may be told to "pray it away" or feel that seeking therapy is at odds with their religious beliefs.

This dynamic can make people uncomfortable or ashamed to pursue professional help, fearing judgment from their community or that they’re not "strong" in their faith. It’s important to recognize that faith and mental health care are not mutually exclusive—seeking help is not a sign of weakness or lack of faith, but a courageous step toward healing. Normalizing mental health discussions within the community, alongside faith, can help break down these barriers and offer a more holistic approach to well-being.

BMM: Do you feel now is the time to use your platform to champion people to get help in any form – If so, why now?

Yes, now is absolutely the time to use my platform to encourage people to seek help, in any form. With so much happening in the world—rising stress, uncertainty, and mental health struggles—it’s more important than ever to break the silence around mental health. The pandemic, social justice issues, and everyday pressures have highlighted the importance of mental well-being, and people need to know it’s okay to ask for help.

I believe my platform allows me to reach those who might feel alone or afraid to seek support.By championing this cause now, I hope to reduce the stigma, especially in communities where mental health conversations are still difficult and show that there’s strength in getting help.

BMM: When did you realize you needed help, and what were the signs that led you to that realization?

I noticed a shift in my energy and outlook—things that once brought me joy no longer did, and I felt emotionally drained, even from simple tasks. I started isolating myself, avoiding social events, and feeling overwhelmed by things I usually handled easily. The biggest sign was the constant feeling of being “off,” like I wasn’t myself anymore. It became clear that I couldn’t manage it alone, and that’s when I decided to reach out for support. Recognizing those signs helped me take the first step toward getting better.

BMM: What did you learn about yourself during your struggle and what are you still learning?

I learned that it's okay to not always be strong, and that vulnerability is a part of being human. Without family in the area, I often felt like I had to handle everything on my own, which added to the pressure of appearing perfect. Through this journey, I’ve discovered the importance of self-compassion and the value of practices like meditation. Meditation has helped me quiet my mind, stay grounded, and manage stress. I’m still learning how to balance being there for others while protecting my peace, and realizing that healing is an ongoing journey, not a destination.

BMM: What message would you like to convey to your audience regarding mental health?

The message I want to convey to my audience is that mental health is just as important as physical health, and seeking help is a courageous act. There's no shame in struggling, and whether through therapy, meditation, or simply talking to someone, support is available. Meditation, for me, has been a bridge between wellness and spirituality, offering a space to connect inwardly and find peace amidst chaos. It’s a practice that helps ground the mind and spirit, reinforcing the idea that healing is both physical and spiritual.

Kindness—especially towards yourself—is key. Be gentle with your own journey and recognizing that everyone around you is fighting battles you may not see. Prioritizing mental well-being, practicing mindfulness, and embracing kindness towards others and ourselves are essential steps toward a fuller, more balanced life. You deserve to feel supported, understood, and whole.

Thank you for your time Muarielle, Beautiful Machine Magazine would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to you as a remarkable leader. Your dedication to uplifting women, especially Black women, in the professional world is inspiring. Through transparency and sharing your journey, you’ve empowers others to rise and thrive. We celebrate and appreciate all that you have done and continue to do.