The Scoop: CNN sends clear message that it won’t allow hate speech on air

CNN has banned conservative writer Ryan Girduskyfrom the network after a contentious on-air exchange with panelist Mehdi Hasan for his support of Palestinians in the Israel-Hamas War. 

During a discussion about Donald Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden on “NewsNight with Abby Phillip,” Girdusky told Hasan, “I hope your beeper doesn’t go off,” a reference to recent attacks where Hezbollah members’ pagers and walkie-talkies exploded in Lebanon and Syria, killing 39 people. Hezbollah blames Israel for the attack.

The heated encounter begins with Hasan saying to Girdusky, “If you (Republicans/conservatives) don’t want to be called Nazis, stop…” before he’s cut off. Hasan and Girdusky then have a back-and-forth, Hasan said he was used to being called an antisemite because he supports “Palestinians.” 

That’s when Girdusky made his comment.

Hasan, a Muslim, responded: “Did you just tell me I should die?… You just said I should be killed.” Girdusky apologized, but after the commercial break, he was removed from the panel. Hasan also left the panel during the break, but of his own choice – Phillip clarified that he was asked to stay but chose to leave.

On Tuesday, Girdusky responded on X, writing, “You can stay on CNN if you falsely call every Republican a Nazi,” but apparently can’t “if you make a joke. I’m glad America gets to see what CNN stands for.”

Why it matters: CNN needed to send a clear message to its guests and audiences that Girdusky crossed a line.

Viewers expect lively political discussions and disagreements, especially about politics. However, a heated argument featuring apparent wishes of violence against a panelist during a presidential election discussion is bad for the brand – and for public civility as a whole. 

Immediately following the Hasan-Girdusky exchange, a frantic scene erupted as all panelists talked over each other, with host Abby Phillip trying to restore some sense of decorum. Phillip quickly rebuked Girdusky, saying, “Ryan, that’s completely out of line. You know that.”

As Girdusky attempted to apologize, Phillip cut in, saying, “Don’t say ‘Then I apologize.’ You literally accused him…”. Phillip later stated during the broadcast: 

“A line was crossed there, and it’s not acceptable to me. It’s not acceptable to us at this network. We want discussion. We want people who disagree with each other to talk to each other. But when you cross the line of complete incivility, that won’t happen here on this show.”

After the show, Phillip apologized to Hasan and viewers on social media, stating that Girdusky had crossed a line. She also clarified that Hasan was invited back for the following segment and wanted to hear more insights, but he chose not to return. Hasan is welcome to return as a guest in the future as well.

Phillip did a great job of using her brief comments to not only diffuse a tense situation but also to shape the narrative about her program’s representation. CNN followed her lead with similar comments, showing support for Phillip while reiterating its organizational mission. The network made it clear that it has “zero room for racism or bigotry at CNN or on our air,” and explicitly stated that Girdusky would not be invited back as a guest.

“We aim to foster thoughtful conversations and debate, including between people who profoundly disagree with each other, to explore important issues and promote mutual understanding,” the statement continued.

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Casey Weldon is a reporter for PR Daily. Follow him on LinkedIn.