Reporter suspended over Syrian refugee tweet

A CNN reporter has been suspended over a controversial tweet about Syrian refugees which sparked a reader backlash.

Journo regrets Syrian refugee tweet

A CNN reporter has been suspended over a controversial tweet about Syrian refugees which sparked a reader backlash.

Deadline reports Elise Labott, global affairs correspondent with the network, sent out a tweet following a vote in the US House of Representatives affecting Syrian refugees trying to enter the country.

The House easily passed a bill by 289 votes to 137 to suspend the refugee program for Syrian and Iraqi refugees until national security agencies could certify they didn’t pose a security risk.

With 47 Democrats joining 242 Republicans in favour of the bill, the vote created a majority that could override President Barack Obama’s veto.

In her tweet announcing the news, Labott wrote: “House passes bill that could limit Syrian refugees. Statue of Liberty bows head in anguish.”

Her editorialising of the highly charged issue, coming in the wake of the Paris massacre that left 129 dead, sparked outrage among some readers.

“Yes, how barbaric of us to be prudent in the face of direct threats from ISIS,” wrote one Twitter user. “Common sense!! Wake up.”

Another said: “The plaque on the statue is not a suicide pact ... and the irony of using a gift from France at this time to try and shame us is amazing.”

“Wow, great objective reporting there. Nice work,” wrote another.

Ms Labott was suspended for two weeks and issued an apology. “Everyone, it was wrong of me to editorialise,” she said. “My tweet was inappropriate and disrespectful. I sincerely apologise.”

Other users came to her defence. “Shameful that CNN suspends [Elise Labott] for her tweet reflecting true American values,” wrote one. “Shame on you, CNN.”

House passes bill that could limit Syrian refugees. Statue of Liberty bows head in anguish @CNNPolitics https://t.co/5RvZwVftgD

— Elise Labott (@eliselabottcnn) November 19, 2015

Everyone, It was wrong of me to editorialize. My tweet was inappropriate and disrespectful. I sincerely apologize.

— Elise Labott (@eliselabottcnn) November 20, 2015

@eliselabottcnn @CNNPolitics Liberal "reporters" don't even bother trying to hide their bias anymore. Zero credibility.

— Jen Fleicher (@idrinkyourtears) November 19, 2015

Shameful that CNN suspends @eliselabottcnn for her tweet reflecting true american values . Shame on you @CNNPolitics

— Muna AbuSulayman (@MunaAbuSulayman) November 20, 2015

Originally published as Reporter suspended over Syrian refugee tweet