CNN bans conservative commentator after derogatory comments to pro-Palestinian journalist Mehdi Hasan
A conservative commentator has been banned from appearing on US television network CNN after he made derogatory remarks to a pro-Palestinian journalist.
Ryan Girdusky told Mehdi Hasan, a British-American broadcaster and former MSNBC correspondent: “I hope your beeper doesn’t go off.” The comment was an apparent reference to the exploding communication devices that targeted members of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.
The pair were part of a panel on CNN Newsnight with host Abby Phillip that was discussing the controversial comments made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe on Sunday during a Donald Trump rally at New York’s Madison Square Garden.
During the debate, Mr Hasan said he is used to being called an antisemite due to his support of the Palestinian people, to which Mr Girdusky responded with the comment appearing to reference the exploding pagers that killed 12 people and wounded thousands last month.
“Did you just say I should die? You just said I should be killed,” Mr Hasan said in response.
Mr Girdusky later apologised and claimed he had heard Mr Hasan say he supported the militant group Hamas. After the show returned from an advert break, both panellists had left.
In a statement shared by Ms Phillip on X, CNN said: “There is zero room for racism or bigotry at CNN or on our air.
“We aim to foster thoughtful conversations and debate between people who profoundly disagree with each other in order to explore important issues and promote mutual understanding.
“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.”
Ms Phillip added that the network had not asked Mr Hasan to leave the debate and that he was welcome to return in the future.
Mr Hasan is a vocal critic of Israel’s war in Gaza. His news organisation, Zeteo, released a documentary titled Israel’s Reel Extremism back in June and earlier this month he debated a former Israeli military colonel on Piers Morgan Uncensored.
Hours after the heated exchange, Mr Girdusky appeared to defend his actions, writing on social media: “You can stay on CNN if you falsely call every Republican a Nazi and have taken money from Qatar-funded media.
“Apparently you can’t go on CNN if you make a joke.”
Mr Girdusky later wrote a piece for his weekly newsletter, the National Populist Newsletter, in which he says he gives his “best advice for future banned conservatives”.
Both Mr Girdusky and Mr Hasan did not respond to Sky News’ US partner network, NBC, for comment.
