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?

There are 9 comments for this article
  1. Chelsia at 10:17 am

    Your job is to be a talking head for CNN not a twitter homebody. Stay in your lane.

  2. Chuckcity at 11:25 am

    It’s a free country and he was not on the air. What you do or say on your leisure time should not in any way affect your job or employment. And lets be real, clearly he was joking and not being serious. I dont think Roland Martin from CNN would seriously say something to that affect on a serious note. CNN is overreacting!

  3. klumsykardashian at 12:41 pm

    I think people need to stop being so overly sensitive as to what people say about gays. They slander minorities in the media on a daily basis, and you don’t hear us crying and complaining about being called a name. It’s becoming to where people can’t even have an opinion without them getting offended. They need to grow some balls and accept that everyone is not going to accept their lifestyle and stop being so insecure. We ALL have a freedom of speech. But I do understand that all the major networks are controlled by Jews and those living the alternative lifestyle, so we DARE not to offend them, or we will be crucified.

  4. md at 1:08 pm

    I am truly offended that they suspended my dude, people make race jokes all the time…who cares…get over it…let my man eat..

  5. NONCHALANT at 2:59 pm

    It is funny that his comment cause a quick response but when you say the n-word or call some one a nappy head hoe it take a ruckus for you to be dismessed. I feel they are taking this out of context.. You can not fully understand the tone of a tweet but you truly understand the tone when said. This was a quick way get rid of a person who is a rising star.

  6. dmills at 7:02 pm

    I think CNN is overeacting. He has the right to say whateve he wants on his free time. CNN does not own him.

  7. Joanne Burke at 12:33 pm

    Please! As usual, CNN is over-reacting. Roland Martin has always handled himself in a professional manner; he has always complimented CNN in a speaker/advisory capacity during fierce debates and political discussions on their network. Give him a break and if your lucky he will return to CNN (after CNN apologizes for your silliness!)

  8. Joanne Burke at 12:37 pm

    Please! As usual, CNN is over-reacting. Roland Martin has always handled himself in a professional manner; he has always complimented CNN in a speaker/advisory capacity during fierce debates and political discussions on their network. Give him a break and if your lucky he will return to CNN (after CNN apologizes for their silliness!)

  9. P Williams at 9:43 am

    Once again, the media’s lack of attention to more serious issues that are taking place in our country and the world at-large only continues to display that ‘authentic’journalism on real issues is very limited. Mr. Martin’s jestful comments were not violent or hateful in nature; therefore, CNN’s reaction does not fit the ‘so called’ offense.

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