CNN bans conservative commentator after derogatory comments towards pro-Palestinian journalist Mehdi Hasan | US News

A conservative commentator has been banned from appearing on US television network CNN after he made derogatory comments towards a pro-Palestinian journalist.

Ryan Girdusky said to Mehdi Hasan, a British-American broadcaster and former MSNBC correspondent, “I hope your pager doesn't go off.” The comment was an obvious reference to the exploding communication devices This was directed against members of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

The couple took part in a panel discussion on CNN Newsnight with host Abby Phillip, where they discussed Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe on Sunday during a Donald Trump rally at New York's Madison Square Garden.

During the debate, Mr. Hasan said he was used to being called an anti-Semite for his support of the Palestinian people, to which Mr. Girdusky responded with a comment that appeared to refer to the exploding pagers killed 12 people and injured thousands in the last month.

“Did you just say I should die?” They just said I should be killed,” Mr. Hasan replied.

Mr. Girdusky later apologized and claimed that he had heard Mr. Hasan say he supported the militant group Hamas. After the show returned from a commercial break, both panelists had left.

In a statement shared by Ms. Phillip on X, CNN said, “There is no room for racism or bigotry at CNN or on our show.”

“Our goal is to promote thoughtful conversations and debates between people who have deeply different opinions, to discuss important issues and promote mutual understanding.”

“But we will not allow guests to be humiliated or to cross the line of politeness. Ryan Girdusky will not be welcome back on our network.”

Follow Sky News on WhatsApp

Keep up to date with the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Tap here

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 organization Zeteo released a documentary called 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 when you falsely call every Republican a Nazi and have taken money from Qatari-funded media.”

“Apparently you can’t go on CNN if you make a joke.”

Mr. Girdusky later wrote an article for his weekly newsletter, the National Populist Newsletter, in which he said he offered his “best advice for future banned conservatives.”

Both Mr. Girdusky and Mr. Hasan did not respond to a comment from Sky News' U.S. affiliate network, NBC.