Conservative commentator and Donald Trump supporter Ryan Girdusky has criticized CNN after the network banned him following a controversial remark made during a heated panel discussion.
Girdusky’s comment sparked backlash and led CNN to announce that he would not be returning to the network.
The incident unfolded during Abby Phillip’s show on Monday night, where Girdusky and Hasan, an outspoken supporter of Palestinian rights, were discussing allegations of Nazi-style rhetoric in Donald Trump’s recent rally at Madison Square Garden.
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Girdusky, addressing Hasan’s experiences with accusations of antisemitism due to his pro-Palestinian views, remarked, “Yeah, well, I hope your beeper doesn’t go off.”
This comment was in reference to a recent explosion involving alleged Hezbollah members’ communication devices, prompting an immediate response from Hasan.
“Did you just say I should die?” Hasan asked, visibly shocked. The exchange quickly escalated, with other panelists criticizing Girdusky’s remark.
Following the incident, CNN issued a statement condemning Girdusky’s words, emphasizing their commitment to civil discourse. “There is zero room for racism or bigotry at CNN or on our air,” the network stated. “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.”
Girdusky responded on social media, defending his comment as a “joke” and claiming that CNN holds a double standard.
“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. I’m glad America gets to see what CNN stands for,” said Girdusky.
CNN’s Abby Phillip also addressed the controversy, clarifying that while Girdusky was asked to leave, Hasan’s absence from the show’s conclusion was by his own choice. “We had a lot to discuss with him and hope he’ll join us again soon,” Phillip said.
Hasan has yet to comment directly on the incident but shared CNN’s statement on his social media account.
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