CNN Bans Ryan Girdusky After 'Beeper' Comment to Mehdi Hasan

Oct 29, 2024, 10:27 AM

CNN has banned conservative commentator Ryan Girdusky from appearing on the network after he told Muslim journalist Mehdi Hasan, "I hope your beeper doesn't go off," during a heated debate on CNN's "NewsNight" on October 29, 2024. The exchange occurred when Hasan accused Girdusky and others of being "Nazis." In response, Girdusky made the controversial remark, which was perceived as a racist attack implying Hasan was a terrorist. Host Abby Phillip warned Girdusky about "going too far," after which he apologized. Phillip then removed him from the show. CNN issued a statement saying, "There is zero room for racism or bigotry at CNN. Ryan Girdusky will not be welcomed back at our network." The incident has sparked discussions about on-air conduct and the boundaries of political discourse.