CNN Suspends Roland Martin Over 'Offensive' Tweets

His comments about David Beckham ad were seen as anti-gay
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 8, 2012 3:24 PM CST
CNN Suspends Roland Martin Over 'Offensive' Tweets
CNN host Roland Martin in 2010.   (Getty Images)

CNN has suspended commentator Roland Martin because of some iffy tweets during the Super Bowl that were seen as homophobic, reports Mediaite. After an ad featuring David Beckham in his skivvies appeared during the game, Martin tweeted, “If a dude at your Super Bowl party is hyped about David Beckham’s H&M underwear ad, smack the ish out of him!” He had a few others in the same vein, and GLAAD came out Monday demanding he be fired for encouraging violence against gays.

Martin then apologized, saying he was trying to mock soccer fans, not gay people, though the New York Times notes that Martin earlier made fun of a fan on TV because he was wearing a "pink suit." CNN weighed in today: "Martin’s tweets were regrettable and offensive,” said a statement. “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.” (More Roland Martin stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X