Washington D.C. – Mehdi Hasan spoke out on Wednesday following an incident on CNN NewsNight where he was targeted with racist remarks by right-wing commentator Ryan Girdusky. Hasan, the founder of Zeteo News, addressed Girdusky’s implications that he was a terrorist for supporting Palestinian rights in a video response.
Hasan expressed disbelief and stated that Girdusky’s remarks were not meant as a joke, but rather as a deliberate attack. He highlighted the boldness of MAGA Republicans in their espousal of racism and tied it to the political climate created by figures like Donald Trump and JD Vance. Hasan commended CNN for banning Girdusky from future appearances and noted the apology offered by anchor Abby Phillip.
During the incident, Hasan was compelled to walk off set, a first in his decades-long career in journalism. He emphasized the emotional toll of facing such racist rhetoric, citing author Toni Morrison on the distraction caused by racism. Hasan warned of the potential emboldening of individuals like Girdusky if Trump were to win the upcoming election.
In conclusion, Hasan emphasized the importance of continuing to speak out against racism and bullying. With the election looming and significant issues at stake, Hasan declared his commitment to the cause and urged others to do the same. He vowed to persist despite the challenges posed by those seeking to undermine his work.