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Sunday, Feb 22, 2026
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CNN Bans Panelist for Racist Remark to Muslim Journalist
Network takes action following controversial on-air comment
CNN has issued an apology and banned conservative commentator Ryan Girdusky after he made a remark on-air that the network deemed racist toward Muslim journalist Mehdi Hasan during a discussion on Donald Trump's rally in Madison Square Garden.
The comment, 'Well, I hope your beeper doesn't go off,' referenced Israeli targeting of Hezbollah communications during conflicts in Lebanon.
This exchange followed Hasan's statement about his support for Palestinians.
Rights advocates have noted increased threats and hostile rhetoric against American Muslims, Arabs, and Jews, exacerbated by Israel's conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon after an attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
CNN anchor Abby Philip apologized to Hasan, stating there's 'zero room for racism or bigotry' at CNN.
Although Girdusky apologized on air, he defended the comment on social media as a joke, criticizing what he perceives as CNN's double standards.
The comment, 'Well, I hope your beeper doesn't go off,' referenced Israeli targeting of Hezbollah communications during conflicts in Lebanon.
This exchange followed Hasan's statement about his support for Palestinians.
Rights advocates have noted increased threats and hostile rhetoric against American Muslims, Arabs, and Jews, exacerbated by Israel's conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon after an attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
CNN anchor Abby Philip apologized to Hasan, stating there's 'zero room for racism or bigotry' at CNN.
Although Girdusky apologized on air, he defended the comment on social media as a joke, criticizing what he perceives as CNN's double standards.
