(NewsNation) — “I hope your beeper doesn’t go off,” a conservative commentator told a Muslim journalist at a news conference. appearance on CNN Monday evening.

The comment, alluding to the fatal wave of explosive pagers in Lebanon last month, crossed a line during a heated debate on racist jokes directed by actor Tony Hinchcliffe on Sunday during former president Donald Trumpthe New York rally.

Conservative commentator Ryan Girdusky was banned from CNN after making the comment against British-American journalist Mehdi Hasan on “CNN Newsnight” with host Abby Phillip after Hasan said he had been called of “anti-Semite” for supporting Palestine.

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“I am a supporter of the Palestinians, I am used to it,” Hasan said.

“Well, I hope your beeper doesn’t go off,” Girdusky replied.

Hasan continued: “Did you just say I should die? You just said I should be killed.

The comment caused Phillip and other guests to speak out against Girdusky, ultimately prompting him to apologize to Hasan.

CNN issued a statement after the incident, apologize to Hasan and ensure that these segments are meant to encourage thoughtful conversation and debate. He also announced that he would no longer allow Girdusky back on the network.

“There is no place for racism or intolerance on CNN or on our airwaves. Our goal is to foster thoughtful conversations and debate, including between people who deeply disagree, to explore important issues and promote mutual understanding. But we will not allow guests to be humiliated or the line of civility to be crossed. Ryan Girdusky will not be welcome in our network,” the statement said.

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Phillip also commented on CNN’s statement, agreeing and clarifying that the network invited Hasan to join the conversation and the network.

“I take this very seriously and would like to apologize again to @mehdirhasan and hope he joins us another time,” Philippe wrote.

Girdusky also took to social media to defend himself and his comment.

“You can stay on CNN if you falsely call all Republicans Nazis and have received money from Qatar-funded media. Apparently you can’t go on CNN if you make a joke. I’m glad America can see what CNN stands for. » said Girdusky.

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