CNN Bans Conservative Commentator Ryan Girdusky After Controversial ‘Beeper’ Comment Directed At Mehdi Hasan During Heated Debate

CNN Bans Conservative Commentator Ryan Girdusky After Controversial ‘Beeper’ Comment Directed At Mehdi Hasan During Heated Debate

CNN has officially banned conservative commentator Ryan Girdusky after he made a controversial remark to Muslim journalist Mehdi Hasan during a live segment on “CNN NewsNight” with host Abby Phillip.

During a heated debate centered on the impact of comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s recent controversial jokes, Girdusky appeared to make a charged comment referencing recent violence, saying to Hasan,

“I hope your beeper doesn’t go off.”

In response, Hasan quickly called out the statement, asking,

“Did you just say I should die? You just said I should be killed.”

Abby Phillip intervened, asking Girdusky to clarify, which led to an apology as he claimed he misunderstood Hasan’s comments as support for Hamas. However, both guests departed the discussion after the commercial break.

 

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CNN later stated on social media,

“There is zero room for racism or bigotry at CNN or on our air. We aim to foster thoughtful conversations and debate… but we will not allow guests to be demeaned or for the line of civility to be crossed. Ryan Girdusky will not be welcomed back at our network.”

Girdusky later tweeted, “Apparently you can’t go on CNN if you make a joke,” seeming less apologetic than his initial on-air apology and attempting to dismiss his comment as humor.

What do you think? Did CNN handle this the right way? Share your thoughts below!