An unexpected event transpired on “CNN Newsnight with Abby Phillip” on Monday evening, as conservative commentator Ryan Girdusky launched a startling attack against reporter Mehdi Hasan. The adverse consequences led to a network ban for Girdusky.
In the course of a conversational segment focusing on Donald Trump’s Sunday rally at Madison Square Garden, Girdusky’s comment towards Hasan indicated a wish for Hasan’s beeper to explode, metaphorically echoing recent Israeli attacks against Hezbollah terrorist group members. This comment was a response to Hasan’s publicly declared support for the Palestinians.
Taken aback by the comment, Hasan, a Muslim journalist who founded and currently acts as the editor-in-chief for Zeteo News, questioned if Girdusky implied that he should be killed.
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Soon after the incident, Abby Phillip shared a network statement on social media, announcing Girdusky’s expulsion from CNN.
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According to the network statement, there is no allowance for any form of bigotry or racism at CNN or during broadcast. They strive towards promoting a platform for in-depth conversations and debate, including allowance of profound disagreements to foster understanding. Guests’ belittlement or crossing the civility line is deemed unacceptable. Consequently, Girdusky’s future presence is unwelcome at the network.
Post-segment, Phillip confirmed Girdusky’s removal during the commercial segment, emphatically saying there’s an unacceptable line-crossing incident with a complete disregard for civility ultimately unacceptable to both Phillip and the network. CNN encourages disagreement-based discussions without resorting to the lowest forms of discourse, especially amidst the heated political climate and an impending presidential election.
Girdusky retaliated against CNN’s decision, writing on “X” and criticizing their norms. He voiced that anyone falsely labeling all Republicans as Nazis or those accepting money from Qatar-funded media can continue on CNN, but making jokes results in censorship, thereby revealing CNN’s true colors to America.
FAQs:
Q1: Who is Mehdi Hasan?
Ans: Mehdi Hasan is a journalist who is the founder and editor-in-chief of Zeteo News.
Q2: What happened between Ryan Girdusky and Mehdi Hasan on CNN?
Ans: On CNN Newsnight, Girdusky made an offensive comment towards Hasan, leading to his ban from the network.
Q3: What did Girdusky say about CNN after being banned?
Ans: Girdusky criticized CNN after his ban, suggesting that the network tolerates false accusations against Republicans and also accepts funding from controversial sources.
Q4: Which show aired the incident involving Ryan Girdusky and Mehdi Hasan?
Ans: The incident took place on “CNN Newsnight with Abby Phillip.”
Q5: What was CNN’s response to the incident?
Ans: CNN quickly released a statement announcing that Girdusky was banned from the network due to his comments, as they promote thoughtful conversations and do not tolerate bigotry or crossing lines of civility.
Credit: variety.com