Roland Martin Suspended by CNN Over ‘Offensive’ Tweets
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(Image Credit: Johnny Nunez/WireImage/Getty Images)
CNN has smacked the “ish” out of Roland Martin.
The commentator has been suspended indefinitely for tweets he sent during Sunday’s Super Bowl that were criticized as anti-gay, according to a statement released Wednesday. One tweet said, “If a dude at your Super Bowl party is hyped about David Beckham’s H&M underwear ad, smack the ish out of him!”
“Roland Martin’s tweets were regrettable and offensive,” CNN’s statement reportedly said. “Language that demeans is inconsistent with the values and culture of our organization, and is not tolerated. We have been giving careful consideration to this matter, and Roland will not be appearing on our air for the time being.”
“CNN today took a strong stand against anti-LGBT violence and language that demeans any community,” said Rich Ferraro, a spokesperson for the gay rights organization GLAAD. “Yesterday, Martin also spoke out against anti-LGBT violence. We look forward to hearing from CNN and Roland Martin to discuss how we can work together as allies and achieve our common goal of reducing anti-LGBT violence as well as the language that contributes to it.”
This is the latest case of public figures tweeting themselves into trouble. Here are some past examples.
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I wonder why these articles are not mentioning the other tweet he sent, which said that “no bruhs would go buy H&M underwear.” He actually got suspended for both of these tweets – one is homophobic and one is racist.
Posted by: Deep in the Heart of Texas | February 8, 2012, 6:32 pm 6:32 pm
I remember when he made very vicious comments about atheists during a CNN roundtable several years ago. Bye bye Roland.
Posted by: Matt H | February 8, 2012, 6:56 pm 6:56 pm
Fran, I tried to post almost exactly what you did and my comment was bounced apparently. I agree with you that the drama is too much. I was very supportive of the gay and lesbian community years ago but I am so sick of this PC crap I could scream. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Just because you do not like Roland Martin’s opinion does not mean you can force him to change it.
Posted by: Lucy | February 8, 2012, 7:05 pm 7:05 pm
that really sucks. whooops.
Posted by: fredy g garvin phd,piglatin | February 8, 2012, 7:12 pm 7:12 pm
Note to self. Let’s not sign-up for the Twitter account!
Posted by: Bob Hope | February 8, 2012, 7:26 pm 7:26 pm
I am not one bit offended….put him back to work, give him a raise, and leave him alone!!!
Posted by: gilbert chard | February 8, 2012, 7:49 pm 7:49 pm
Twitter, killing free speech 140 characters at a time. We need a founding document that clearly lays out our freedoms and rights, perhaps a Bill of Rights, attached to a constitution written by the people for the people and of the people.
Pathetic, what passes for news these days.
Posted by: newt Gangreneritch | February 8, 2012, 7:58 pm 7:58 pm
Just another reason NOT to watch CNN, (the Communist News Network). They are run by a bunch of left-wing deviant lovers.
Posted by: Bobby | February 8, 2012, 7:58 pm 7:58 pm
What has happpened to Freedom of Speech? It is HIS twitter page, if you don’t like it, don’t follow him. Was he officially reporting for CNN when he made the post? Geesh people get a grip and stop reading too much into stuff. From what I read, it doesn’t say anything directly about homosexualilty. I supppose the LGBT community but good grief everyone’s not out to attack you!
Posted by: Cammie | February 8, 2012, 8:24 pm 8:24 pm
He’s a public figure; he should know better. There really is NO excuse, but he should be given an opportunity to demonstrate that he is serious about becoming educated. Still, one wonders were he to vanish from the airwaves would anyone actually miss him? I wouldn’t.
Posted by: randyontheglobe | February 8, 2012, 10:53 pm 10:53 pm
A Man Bending Over For Another Man To Work Him From Behind Ought To Be Ashamed. and These Women Don’t Want A man, Yet They Will GLAAD’LY Use Electronic Devices for Pleasure.
What Has The World Come TOO?
Posted by: vern | February 9, 2012, 8:17 am 8:17 am
For those who think this is a freedom of speech issue, is the man in jail? No. Thus, he has freedom of speech. But, with that freedom comes responsibility. A private company is free to fire him if they don’t like what he has to say. That’s not limiting his freedom of speech. He’s still very much free to say what he wants. He’d just better be prepared for the consequences of that speech.
Posted by: Working_Class | February 9, 2012, 9:14 am 9:14 am
You people need to get a life. I never have liked Roland but c’mon people. We where is the freedom of speech? I didn’t find this offensive at all. A company should not have the right to squelch a persons words or thoughts. The threat of being fired from your job is a form of censorship. We have become a society of fear. Why can’t a person say, “I don’t like that?” Why is it wrong to say, “That is ridiculous?” Remember people, words can’t hurt you…
Posted by: alton | February 9, 2012, 9:48 am 9:48 am
It is always nice to see a liberal hoist by political correctness.
Posted by: Ricky | February 9, 2012, 9:50 am 9:50 am
Since when is saying “brotha” racist. Some of his followers may be white. Using the word brutha is not racist.
Posted by: j3161usa | February 9, 2012, 11:16 am 11:16 am
Mr. Martin has been consistent in attacking the right, GOP whatever for being racist, homophobic, bigots, etc etc and now he gets a dose of his own medicine. He was simply deflecting way too much and it caught up to him. I do respect freedom of speech, I am tired of the repeated PC attacks, however, Mr. Martin simply had karma paid to him.
Posted by: sharky | February 9, 2012, 8:48 pm 8:48 pm
I disagree with the motive in which CNN used to suspend Roland Martin. Roland is a great analyst who was fair and balanced on any topic and questions put before him. There have been many comments made on this network more harmful than his and they were swept under the rug. I think Roland should be given his job back.
Posted by: mitch jamerson | February 11, 2012, 11:20 am 11:20 am
From what I read in this article, I dont see anything in his comment that was homophobic. I can see how it could be a liitle harsh because he said someone should be smacked. This is just another tatic by Racist Corporate Media Outlets to get someone off TV that TELLS THE TRUTH about what’s going on in America. Now when all these White, Conservative, Republican TV Journalist and Analysts make comments about Gay people and African-American there is always a damn excuse and deflection so they can keep their jobs.
Posted by: Janelle | April 25, 2012, 9:03 am 9:03 am