CNN banned a right-wing commentator on Monday’s “NewsNight with Abby Phillip” who mentioned attacks on Hezbollah and directed offensive comments at another guest.
Ryan Gardusky, a political strategist and supporter of former President Trump, spoke out about a heated exchange with panelist Mehdi Hasan about the Republican presidential candidate’s Sunday rally at New York’s Madison Square Garden. I made this statement inside. Vulgar and racist comments made by a number of speakers at the event caused a huge backlash.
“I hope the buzzer doesn’t go off,” Gardusky said after Hassan made his remarks. This is a reference to the use of mobile communication devices to kill Hezbollah members in Lebanon on September 17th. Israeli intelligence reportedly detonated the explosive device. As many as 3,000 Hezbollah members were injured. At least a dozen people were killed in the attack.
Hasan is a Muslim and has been an outspoken supporter of the Palestinian cause on TV and on his news site Zeteo. He was clearly surprised by the statement.
“Did the guest just say you should kill me on live TV?” Hasan said to Philip.
After the commercial break, Philip apologized to Hasan and the viewers. She also announced that Gardusky would not be returning.
“When we start this discussion, you’ll find that Ryan is not at the table,” Phillip said. “There’s a line that was crossed there, and that’s unacceptable to me. It’s not acceptable on this network.”
“Did your guest just say on live TV that you should kill me?” Mehdi Hasan asked after speaking.
(NBC News)
In recent months, CNN has turned “NewsNight” into a conflict-driven talk show reminiscent of the network’s long-running show “Crossfire,” which ended in 2005, with critics offering opposing views. The show’s discussions often turn angry, with guests talking over each other while Philip tries to maintain control.
CNN said in a statement that there is “zero place for racism or bigotry on CNN or our stations” and that it would not invite Mr. Gardusky back to the network.
CNN said it “seeks to foster thoughtful conversation and debate among people with deeply different views to explore important issues and foster mutual understanding.”
Mr. Gardusky attempted to apologize on the air. He then took a defiant stance on social media site X. “Apparently you can’t get on CNN if you tell a joke,” he wrote. “I’m glad America can see what CNN stands for.”
