June 16, 2017
CNN has dumped Reza Aslan and his program on religion after he profanely damned President Trump in a tweet about the London terror attacks.
The network said it would not carry a second season of “Believer,” Aslan’s series about religions, which premiered last season.
Only two weeks ago, CNN dumped comedian Kathy Griffin, co-host of its annual New Year’s Eve celebration, when she was photographed holding a depiction of Trump’s severed head.
Angered about Trump’s social media commentary on the London terror attacks, Aslan tweeted that “this piece of s— is not just an embarrassment to America and a stain on the presidency, he’s an embarrassment to humankind.”
Aslan also tweeted that Trump was a “man baby that must be ignored in times of crisis.”
The Iranian-born author later apologized “for my choice of words,” and CNN issued a statement saying, “That kind of discourse is never appropriate.” But it wasn’t enough to save his show.
In a statement after his dismissal, Aslan said he was grateful to CNN for giving his series a chance.
“In these politically charged times, the tenor of our nation’s discourse has become complicated,” he said. “And I recognize that CNN needs to protect its brand as an unbiased news outlet. Similarly, I need to honor my voice. I am not a journalist. I am a social commentator and a scholar.”
In Tehran, the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) carried a report on the firing that began by saying the dismissal was contrary to American claims that it supports freedom of speech. The First Amendment right of freedom of speech, like all other elements of the Bill of Rights, restricts government action, not private action. The government cannot restrict freedom of speech, but anyone is free to kick out of his or her home someone who says something they find objectionable.
Aslan’s statement indicated he understood that distinction.
CNN has always planted itself as a middle-of-the-road and non-partisan news outlet. That is the foundation of its brand, unlike Fox News and MSNBC, which allow more partisanship in their broadcasts.