Wisconsin TV journalist Jennifer Livingston drew national attention October 2 when she fought back against a WKBT News 8 viewer who criticized her weight, and now her brother, actor Ron Livingston, is leaping to the defense of his "role model" sibling.

"My sister Jennifer is an Emmy winning journalist and mother of three amazing girls," the Sex and the City actor said in a statement. "She brings an exceptional dedication to her job, her family, and her community, and has been a role model of mine for many, many years. I'm extremely proud of her."

Reading a letter she received from the disgruntled viewer — now identified as Kenneth Krause — on the air, Jennifer argued that Krause "[is] not a part of my family and . . . know nothing about me but what you see on the outside. And I am much more than a number on the scale."

After Jennifer admonished Krause for his bullying, the viewer followed-up with a statement to WKBT. ". . . Considering Jennifer Livingston's fortuitous position in the community, I hope she will finally take advantage of a rare and golden opportunity to influence the health and psychological well-being of [the community] by transforming herself for all of her viewers to see over the next year," his statement read in part. Krause, a fitness enthusiast, also offered Jennifer "any advice or support she would be willing to accept."

Jennifer's brother Ron — who appeared as Sarah Jessica Parker's SATC love interest Berger in 2003 — wasn't the only one to offer words of support to the anchor.

"What a powerful message against bullying," Ellen DeGeneres tweeted after Jennifer's story went viral. "@news8jennifer, I would love to meet you in person."

Jennifer Love Hewitt, who has also faced public scrutiny over her weight, called the journalist beautiful. "The anchor who fought back against comments made about her is my new hero!" Hewitt tweeted. "Way to go! She's a beautiful woman!"