CNN panelist removed after racist remark to Mehdi Hasan 'hope your beeper doesn’t go off'

Trump supporter Ryan Girdusky’s comment prompts swift removal and a CNN statement barring future appearances.

In a tense episode of CNN's 'NewsNight with Abby Phillip', conservative commentator Ryan Girdusky was removed from the panel after a heated exchange with progressive commentator Mehdi Hasan.

The discussion centered around inflammatory comments made at former President Donald Trump's rally in New York City, which had ignited public backlash for its rhetoric.

Girdusky, who founded the 1776 Project political action committee, defended Trump, asserting that "the media" has labeled "everyone who attended" Trump’s rally "a fascist" or "Hitler." Host Abby Phillip quickly interjected, stating, "That did not happen."

During the discussion, Hasan criticized the rally, mentioning comments from speakers, including comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, and arguing that they had used "the language of the far right."

He added, "My problem is, I get it, nobody wants to be called Nazis. It’s very inflammatory. If you don’t want to be called Nazis, stop hurling rhetoric." Girdusky retorted by alleging, "You've been called an antisemite more than anyone at this table," to which Hasan replied, "By people like you ... I'm in support of the Palestinians, I'm used to it."

As the exchange escalated, Girdusky responded, "Yeah, well, I hope your beeper doesn’t go off," a remark referencing a historic military operation and causing immediate controversy.

Following a commercial break, Phillip apologized directly to Hasan and addressed viewers: "There is a line that 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 a complete lack of civility, that is not going to happen here on this show."

CNN later issued a statement underscoring its commitment to respect on-air and condemning Girdusky’s comment as unacceptable.

"There is zero room for racism or bigotry" on CNN, the network affirmed, clarifying that Girdusky would no longer be invited back as a guest. In a social media response, Girdusky posted, "You can stay on CNN if you falsely call every Republican a Nazi and have taken money from Qatar-funded media. Apparently, you can’t go on CNN if you make a joke. I'm glad America gets to see what CNN stands for."

Phillip, in a video shared to X (formerly Twitter), reiterated that Hasan had not been asked to leave, stating she hoped he "joins us again soon."

Hasan shared Phillip’s statement with his own followers, responding positively to her remarks.