Reza Aslan (Photo: AP)
CNN dumped Reza Aslan and his show “Believer” that launched earlier this year amid outrageous he called President Donald Trump “a piece of s—” on Twitter. This is the second firing action the network was forced to take after a host or partner made offensive over the line comments about the President.
“CNN has decided to not move forward with production on the acquired series ‘Believer with Reza Aslan,’” the network said in a statement. “We wish Reza and his production team all the best. “
Aslan’s profanity came in the wake of remarks President Trump made after the terrorist attacks on London. The Iranian-American author and so-called religious scholar later apologized.
“I should have used better language to express my shock and frustration at the president’s lack of decorum and sympathy for the victims of London,” he said. “I apologize for my choice of words.”
Now, “Believer” won’t even see a second season.
“Obviously I am very disappointed in this decision. ‘Believer’ means a great deal to me and to the countless viewers it’s reached. Its message of religious tolerance and exploration is extremely important right now. I am deeply grateful to CNN for giving me the opportunity to launch the show and to amplify my voice on their network. I am especially grateful to the legion of people within the Turner organization who worked so hard to make the show a hit series,” said Aslan, in a prepared statement.
CNN recently cut ties with comedian and New Year’s Eve host Kathy Griffin after she took photos in an ISIS-like pose holding the severed head of the President. Barron, President Trump’s younger child, was watching television at the time and believed his father had been decapitated.
”However, in these politically charged times, the tenor of our nation’s discourse has become complicated, 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 scholar. And so I agree with CNN that it is best that we part ways. I look forward to partnering with another platform in the future to continue to spread my message. I wish CNN all the best.”
