Tensions erupted on CNN’s NewsNight on Monday night when commentator Ryan Girdusky, a Trump supporter, made an Islamophobic remark about fellow guest Mehdi Hasan.
Heated debate turns offensive
The discussion centred on Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden, where some speakers made racist comments about Black people, Palestinians, Latinos, Jews, and Puerto Ricans. Hasan, who supports Palestinian rights, said he’s often wrongly labelled as antisemitic. In response, Girdusky commented, “I hope your beeper doesn’t go off,” implying that Hasan was a terrorist. The shocking remark led to immediate backlash from the panel.
Instant reaction from the panel
Hasan, visibly upset, asked Girdusky, “Did you just say I should die?” Host Abby Phillip, along with guest Ashley Allison, quickly intervened. Phillip said, “Ryan, that is completely out of line.” She stopped Girdusky from backtracking, telling him, “Don’t say ‘I apologise’ when you just accused him of being a terrorist.”
Girdusky removed after commercial break
After a break, Girdusky was no longer on the panel. Phillip then addressed viewers directly. “I want to apologise to Mehdi Hasan. What was said was completely unacceptable. A line was crossed, and that’s not allowed on this network.”
She added, “We encourage open discussion, even disagreement, but not a total lack of respect. Political tensions are high right now, but that’s no excuse for this type of comment.”
CNN issues formal response
After the broadcast, CNN released a statement. “There is zero tolerance for racism or bigotry on CNN. We aim to foster thoughtful debate between people with strong disagreements. But we will not allow anyone to cross the line of civility. Ryan Girdusky will not return to our network.”
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