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After a tension-filled broadcast on Monday night, conservative commentator Ryan Girdusky is no longer welcome on CNN. This comes after a controversial remark he made toward Muslim journalist Mehdi Hasan.  “I hope your beeper doesn’t go off,” Girdusky commented.

Panelists Discuss Charged Labels Such As “Nazi”

The strained exchange occurred on CNN's "NewsNight with Abby Phillip." Panelists had been discussing Republican nominee Donald Trump's Madison Square Garden rally. The conversation revolved around how political opponents often labeled each other "Nazis" or "anti-Semites."

Hasan admitted to the provocative nature of the “Nazi” label. However, he said, while no one desired such a label sometimes their actions warranted it. Girdusky, a known Trump supporter, interrupted, saying Hasan faced more accusations of antisemitism than any other person in the room. 

Hasan then responded that he was used to the antisemite label due to his support for Palestinians, leading to Girdusky’s contentious remark. The statement implied a connection between the militant group Hezbollah and the journalist. This comes after an Israeli military operation that killed or injured over 3,000 people by detonating pagers planted on the group's members.

Girdusky Draws Fire

Girdusky’s comment led to instant backlash from the panelists and host Abby Phillips. 

 “Did you just say I should die? Did you just say I should be killed live on CNN?” Hasan asked.

Girdusky quickly backtracked amidst the general dissent. According to the commentator, he thought Hasan had said he supported Hamas. However, host Abby Philips called him out further, saying  it was “completely out of pocket.”

The segment closed, followed by a commercial break, after which Phillip returned to the air alone. She apologized again, saying an unacceptable line had been crossed for the network. Phillip also stated that Girdusky would not return to the show.

CNN chimed in with a similar statement, “There is zero room for racism or bigotry at CNN or on our air. We aim to foster thoughtful conversations and debate between people who profoundly disagree with each other… But we will not allow guests to be demeaned or for the line of civility to be crossed. Ryan Girdusky will not be welcomed back at our network.”

Girdusky, on the other hand, penned a Substack piece on Tuesday saying he didn’t apologize for the joke and accused the media of being too left-leaning.