CNN bans political commentator after ‘I hope your beeper doesn’t go off’ comment

Pro-Israel commentator Ryan Girdusky got into a heated argument with fellow guest, and Palestine supporter, Mehdi Hasan, leading to the stunning exchange | WATCH

Journalist Mehdi Hasan and Ryan Girdusky on the CNN panel show.

CNN banned political commentator Ryan Girdusky from its air after he told journalist Mehdi Hasan, “I hope your beeper doesn’t go off” in a heated exchange on Abby Phillip’s “NewsNight” show on Monday.

The comment was a reference to pagers exploding in Lebanon last month as part of an Israeli attack against the militant group Hezbollah. Hasan and Girdusky were discussing Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden.

Phillip apologised on-air, calling the comment “completely unacceptable.”

CNN also released a statement denouncing racism and bigotry on the air, adding Girdusky “will not be welcomed back” at the network.

Sharing @CNN’s statement and a quick message from me about what happened on tonight’s show.

I take this very seriously and want to again apologize to @mehdirhasan and I hope he’ll join us another time. pic.twitter.com/O9l0Ftv5NZ

— Abby D. Phillip (@abbydphillip) October 29, 2024

A pro-Palestinian (Mehdi Hasan) and a pro-Israeli (Ryan Girdusky) meet at a CNN panel.

The pro-Palestinian calls the pro-Israeli a “N×zi”. The pro-Israeli responds by: “I hope your beeper doesn't go off”.

CNN fires the pro-Israeli.

Shame on you @CNN!
pic.twitter.com/Q9m2qC2aFx

— Dr. Eli David (@DrEliDavid) October 29, 2024

Girdusky fired back on X, writing, “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.”

Dow Jones