Abby Phillip has made a statement about the racist on-air attack on Mehdi Hasan by Ryan Girdusky.
“I want to apologize to Mehdi Hasan for what was said at this table.” She said.
She added; “It was completely unacceptable when we get this discussion started, you’ll see that Ryan is not at the table… I want to apologize to the viewers at home”.
Ryan Girdusky was sent off CNN anchor Abby Phillip’s show on Monday after he told another guest (Mehdi Hasan), “I hope your beeper doesn’t go off” while discussing the former President Donald Trump‘s New York City rally on Sunday.
He was referring to recent Israeli attacks targeting Hezbollah members, involving explosives placed in pagers. The comment followed Hasan’s statement that he is “a supporter of the Palestinians.”
Hasan, a Muslim journalist and founder and editor-in-chief of Zeteo News, was taken aback by the comment, responding, “Did you just say I should die?”
CNN promptly issued a statement, shared on social media by Phillip, announcing a ban on Girdusky from the network.
“There is zero tolerance for racism or bigotry at CNN or on our platform,” the statement read.
“Our goal is to encourage thoughtful dialogue and debate, even among those with strong differences, to explore key issues and foster mutual understanding. However, we will not permit guests to be disrespected or for civility to be compromised. Ryan Girdusky will no longer be welcomed on our network.”
Following CNN’s decision, Girdusky criticized the network on X, writing, “You’re allowed to stay on CNN if you falsely label every Republican a Nazi or accept money from Qatar-funded media. But apparently, you can’t be on CNN if you make a joke. I’m glad America now sees what CNN really stands for.”
