CNN has banned a conservative pundit from the network after he mocked left-wing Muslim commentator Mehdi Hassan during a brief exchange on “CNN News Night with Abby Philip.”
It started when guest panelist Ryan Grudowski pointed out that Hasan had been called an anti-Semitic. Hassan said he was “used to” the label because he is a vocal supporter of the Palestinians.
“Well, I hope your beeper doesn't go off,” Grudowski said — apparently referring to Israel's coordinated strike on Hezbollah last month that saw thousands of pagers used by Lebanese terrorists go off simultaneously. .
The comment drew immediate rebuke from the other panelists, with Mehdi pointing out, “Did you just say I should die?”
As the discussion progressed, host Abby Philip tried to rein in the panelists. Medhi then accused Grudowski of threatening her, saying, “Did you just say kill me on CNN?”
Grudowski appeared to push back – asking if Medhi was saying he supported Hamas. The British-American journalist replied, “Of course” he did not support Hamas.
Grudowski replied, “Okay, then I'm sorry.”
The apology made matters worse, with Philip and other guests blasting Grudowski for his “disgusting” and “racist” remarks.
Within hours of the spectacle, CNN released a statement condemning Grudowski.
“There is no room for racism or bigotry on CNN or our broadcasts,” the statement read in part, noting that the network aims to “promote thoughtful conversation and debate” among dissenters.
“But we will not allow guests to insult or cross the line of civility. Ryan Grudowski will not be welcomed back to our network.
Grudowski, who has written for publications including American Conservative magazine, turned to X to criticize the network for its deportation.
“You can stay on CNN if you call every Republican a Nazi and take money from Qatar-funded media.” He wrote about the cover-up of Mehdi's media startupZeteo is being funded by a Middle Eastern government – a claim it has repeatedly denied.
“Apparently you can't go on CNN if you're joking. I'm glad America is seeing what CNN stands for.”
Mehdi, who was born in Britain to parents who emigrated from India, has written or contributed to left-leaning outlets including Al Jazeera and MSNBC.
Last year he was accused of plagiarizing a column he wrote 20 years ago advocating killing children, and in 2019, when old blog recordings surfaced in which the commentator called out non-Muslims and atheists like He apologized for comparing the groups to “cattle”.