The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on CNN and all major media outlets to address anti-Palestinian bias and bigotry within their networks in the wake of CNN guest Ryan Girdusky’s bigoted and threatening anti-Palestinian attack on Mehdi Hasan.
During a panel discussion on CNN, Hasan said as a supporter of Palestinians he was used to people groundlessly accusing him of being an antisemite. Girdusky then replied, “I hope your beeper doesn’t go off,” alluding to the recent pager bombings carried out by Israel in Lebanon. Girdusky was removed from the panel after the comment.
SEE: CNN Panel Guest Directs Racist Attack on Mehdi Hasan: “I Hope Your Beeper Doesn’t Go Off”
In a statement, CAIR said:
“We thank CNN host Abby Phillips for kicking this commentator off CNN for his
dangerous and despicable attack on Mehdi Hasan. This was an important first
step, but more steps must be taken to address anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian
bias at all media outlets. Anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian bias are pervasive
in many major American media outlets, and CNN should set a positive example for
other networks by tackling it head-on. This should include requiring Jake
Tapper, Dana Bash and David Chalian to apologize and issue formal corrections
for spreading a defamatory lie about Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib several weeks
ago. The network should also address staff complaints that management has
forced pro-Israel censorship and bias into stories about Gaza and reconsider
the primetime slot it has given to Bill Maher, notoriously anti-Muslim and
anti-Palestinian bigot.”
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com