CNN prohibits guest following 'exploding pager' remark during live broadcast
CNN has placed a guest on its blacklist for stating, “I hope your beeper doesn’t go off.” Read Full Article at RT.com.
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Journalist Mehdi Hasan has accused conservative commentator Ryan Girdusky of “inciting violence” against him.
CNN has prohibited Girdusky from appearing on its shows following his reference to an explosive-rigged pager during a debate with Hasan, a Muslim journalist.
The incident unfolded during a tense exchange on ‘News Night With Abby Phillip’ on Monday night, where Hasan addressed previous accusations of anti-Semitism, stating, “I’m a supporter of the Palestinians, so I’m used to it.”
Girdusky interrupted, saying to Hasan, “Well, I hope your beeper doesn’t go off.” This remark seemingly referenced recent explosions involving pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah members in Lebanon and Syria last month, an incident largely blamed on Israel.
In response, Hasan asked, “Did your guest just say I should be killed on live TV?” and accused Girdusky of “inciting violence.” Girdusky quickly issued an apology, asserting that he believed Hasan supported Hamas, the Palestinian militant group.
Following the exchange, CNN released a statement confirming that Girdusky “will not be welcomed back at our network.” The network emphasized that there is “zero room for racism or bigotry at CNN or on our air,” and Phillip apologized to viewers for the behavior exhibited by her guest.
Palestinian American Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib criticized CNN on Tuesday, alleging that the network plays “a central role in normalizing this kind of open anti-Arab, anti-Muslim, and anti-Palestinian hate.” She remarked that it was “totally unsurprising to see such disgusting statements aired so casually on its network now” in a post on X.
In defense of his remarks, Girdusky took to X, stating, “You can stay on CNN if you falsely call every Republican a Nazi and have taken money from Qatar-funded media,” referencing Hasan’s prior work at Al Jazeera. He added, “Apparently you can’t go on CNN if you make a joke. I’m glad America gets to see what CNN stands for.”
As the contentious US presidential campaign approaches Election Day on November 5, emotional arguments and personal attacks in the media have become more prevalent. Additionally, a recent Gallup poll found that nearly 70% of Americans express little or no trust in the media.
Jessica Kline contributed to this report for TROIB News
CNN has prohibited Girdusky from appearing on its shows following his reference to an explosive-rigged pager during a debate with Hasan, a Muslim journalist.
The incident unfolded during a tense exchange on ‘News Night With Abby Phillip’ on Monday night, where Hasan addressed previous accusations of anti-Semitism, stating, “I’m a supporter of the Palestinians, so I’m used to it.”
Girdusky interrupted, saying to Hasan, “Well, I hope your beeper doesn’t go off.” This remark seemingly referenced recent explosions involving pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah members in Lebanon and Syria last month, an incident largely blamed on Israel.
In response, Hasan asked, “Did your guest just say I should be killed on live TV?” and accused Girdusky of “inciting violence.” Girdusky quickly issued an apology, asserting that he believed Hasan supported Hamas, the Palestinian militant group.
Following the exchange, CNN released a statement confirming that Girdusky “will not be welcomed back at our network.” The network emphasized that there is “zero room for racism or bigotry at CNN or on our air,” and Phillip apologized to viewers for the behavior exhibited by her guest.
Palestinian American Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib criticized CNN on Tuesday, alleging that the network plays “a central role in normalizing this kind of open anti-Arab, anti-Muslim, and anti-Palestinian hate.” She remarked that it was “totally unsurprising to see such disgusting statements aired so casually on its network now” in a post on X.
In defense of his remarks, Girdusky took to X, stating, “You can stay on CNN if you falsely call every Republican a Nazi and have taken money from Qatar-funded media,” referencing Hasan’s prior work at Al Jazeera. He added, “Apparently you can’t go on CNN if you make a joke. I’m glad America gets to see what CNN stands for.”
As the contentious US presidential campaign approaches Election Day on November 5, emotional arguments and personal attacks in the media have become more prevalent. Additionally, a recent Gallup poll found that nearly 70% of Americans express little or no trust in the media.
Jessica Kline contributed to this report for TROIB News
