CNN BANS PANELIST FOR MAKING RACIST REMARKS AT MUSLIM JOURNALIST ON-AIR
CNN recently banned conservative commentator, Ryan Girdusky following an on-air incident where he made a comment directed at Muslim journalist Mehdi Hasan.
During a discussion on CNN News Night, Hasan expressed support for Palestinians, prompting Girdusky to respond, “I hope your beeper doesn’t go off”—a remark referencing a recent incident in Lebanon involving explosives hidden in pagers. Hasan interpreted this as a violent implication, sparking significant backlash.
CNN condemned the comment as racist and announced that Girdusky would no longer be allowed on the network.
Hasan had earlier said he was pro-Palestinian.
Rights advocates have noted rising threats and hateful rhetoric against American Muslims, Arabs and Jews since the eruption of Israel’s wars in Gaza and Lebanon following an October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas.
CNN anchor, Abby Philip apologised to Hasan after the incident.
“There is zero room for racism or bigotry at CNN or on our air,” CNN said in a separate statement.
“Ryan Girdusky will not be welcomed back to our network,” it said.
Girdusky apologised for his comments on air but also defended himself on social media, saying it was a joke.
“You can stay on CNN if you falsely call every Republican a Nazi and have taken money from Qatar-funded media,” Girdusky said. “Apparently you can’t go on CNN if you make a joke.” (Reuters)