On the CNN NewsNight panel discussion on Monday night, Ryan Girdusky, a Donald Trump supporter, attacked fellow panelist, Mehdi Hasan and made an Islamophobic comment.
The panel was speaking about Trump‘s recent rally at Madison Square Garden where several speakers used Islamaphobic language to refer to blacks, Palestinians, Latinos, Jews, and Puerto Ricans.
CNN Kicks Out Guest Who Told Mehdi Hasan ‘Hope Your Beeper Doesn’t Go Off’
Mehdi Hasan was shocked when Ryan Girdusky said he hoped his beeper wouldn’t go off, implying he was a terrorist after Hasan mentioned being a supporter of Palestinians during a discussion about Donald Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally.
Hasan asked if Girdusky wanted him to die. Girdusky’s comment referenced recent Israeli attacks on Hezbollah militants using explosive pagers. Hasan, a Muslim journalist and Zeteo News founder, was taken aback. He wondered if Girdusky was suggesting harm.
The tense exchange highlighted the challenges of respectful dialogue during heated political discussions.
After Ryan Girdusky’s hurtful comment, CNN swiftly took action. Host Abby Phillip shared a statement on social media, announcing Girdusky’s ban from the network.
“At CNN, we have zero tolerance for racism and bigotry,” the statement reads. “We believe in respectful conversations, even when we disagree. Our goal is to explore important issues and promote understanding.
However, we won’t allow guests to be disrespected or crossed. Ryan Girdusky’s behavior was unacceptable, and he won’t be invited back.”
CNN’s stance is clear: respectful dialogue is essential, and harmful comments won’t be tolerated.
By taking a strong stand, CNN encourages constructive discussions and creates a safer space for diverse perspectives.
Palestinian supporter Hasan said he was used to such accusations of antisemitism. Girdusky responded with a provocative comment: “I hope your beeper doesn’t go off.” This remark implied Hasan was a terrorist, referencing recent pager bombings targeting Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.
Hasan and other guests immediately condemned Girdusky’s insinuation. Hasan asked if Girdusky wanted him to die, saying, “Did you just say I should die? Did you just say I should be killed live on CNN?”
Host Abby Phillip swiftly intervened, calling Girdusky’s comment “completely out of pocket.” Despite Girdusky’s attempts to apologize, Phillip firmly told him to stop talking.
After a break, Girdusky was removed from the panel. Phillip addressed the incident directly to the camera, apologizing to Hasan and emphasizing that such comments have no place on the show.
– Ryan Girdusky made an Islamophobic comment implying Mehdi Hasan was a terrorist.
– Hasan and other guests condemned the remark.
– Host Abby Phillip intervened, calling out Girdusky’s comment.
– Girdusky was removed from the panel.
– Phillip apologized to Hasan and emphasized the importance of respectful dialogue.
This incident highlights the challenges of maintaining respectful discussions during heated political debates, especially when sensitive topics are involved. More elaborate and more human tone
And that’s a wrap – Girdusky’s CNN days are gone for good!
