Bruce Jenner Shouldn’t Have Let Tabloids ‘Tell Her Story,’ Says ‘Inside Edition’ Trans Reporter

Zoey Tur, who made history this week as the first transgender correspondent on national television, says Bruce Jenner needs to speak out — and soon.

“When [TMZ’s] Harvey Levin called me up and told me they were doing a story [on my transition], he gave me the opportunity to be a part of it, and I jumped at it because I felt it was a teaching moment,” Tur told TheWrap. “If I didn’t, the media would have speculated and done what the media does, and I would have been considered a national joke. Bruce Jenner has remained quiet on the matter and because of that Bruce Jenner has lost her ability to tell her story.”

That’s about to change.

As TheWrap previously reported, Diane Sawyer and Jenner’s representatives are in final stages of negotiations for an exclusive interview.

It will be Jenner’s first sit-down conversation discussing his transitioning process to become a woman.

“She should tell it in a way that teaches and educates people,” Tur said. “Unfortunately Jenner has let the tabloids tell her story and, of course, they’re going to be salacious and hurtful.”

Jenner is also filming the transition in an E! docu-series, according to reports.

Tur believes her own coming out story may have helped Jenner find the courage to come forward.

“I was the first to do it publically,” Tur said. “I think it helped get the narrative out there.”

Jenner, 65, has been photographed with longer hair, painted fingernails, earrings and cosmetic makeup in recent weeks. People reports “his changes have been subtle,” to give his family “the chance to slowly get used to his new looks and life.”

“If his reality show is true to who Jenner is, that’s a very good thing. I love the fact that we have the world’s greatest athlete as part of our team,” said Tur.

Formerly known as “Chopper Bob,” Tur made a name for herself as a helicopter pilot who covered the infamous O.J. Simpson police pursuit in 1994 and the Los Angeles riots in 1992.

She was also credited with saving the lives of 54 people during a freak Southern California storm in January of 1988.

In 2013, Tur began her transition from male to female. She underwent sex reassignment surgery a year later.

On Monday, “Inside Edition” announced Tur would become the first-ever transgender reporter as the syndicated show’s special correspondent during February.

Watch “Inside Edition’s” coverage of Tur’s transition here.