Was CNN Right or Wrong For Suspending Roland Martin For Anti Gay Tweets?
Political commentator, Roland Martin, has been suspended from one of his TV gigs for using what some consider anti-gay comments on twitter. So what happened? While watching the Super Bowl, Martin commented on a commercial featuring David Beckham in a sexy H&M underwear ad. After watching the ad, Martin tweeted:
“If a dude at your Super Bowl party is hyped about David Beckham’s H&M underwear ad, smack the ish out of him.”
He also tweeted:
“Who the hell was that New England Patriot they just showed in a head to toe pink suit? Oh, he needs a visit from #teamwhipdatass”
And because of the comments above, Wednesday, CNN announced that they would be suspending Martin, in a statement that shared,
“Roland Martin’s tweets were regrettable and offensive… Language that demeans is inconsistent with the values and culture of our organization, and is not tolerated. We have been giving careful consideration to this matter, and Roland will not be appearing on our air for the time being.”
Martin later clarified his statement:
“My joking about smacking someone, whether it was in response to a commercial or food they prepare for a Super Bowl party or wearing an opposing team’s jersey, was stated in jest. It was not meant literally, and in no way would I ever condone someone doing such a thing.”
So, what do You think? Were Martin’s jokes offensive and if so, did he deserve to be temporarily suspended?