How Cancel Culture really works: During my year at CNN, which was a great experience, I was "warned" a total of 3.5 times. Each warning was because some Republicans, who defended Trump's cruelty & abuses, complained about the most innocuous statements. Here's the official list:
I inadvertently broke Steve Cortes when I told him that Trump's base will "never love you." He was on Trump's National Hispanic Advisory Council. I told him to "Be Best." Harmless. Good segment. But he wouldn't stop whining, tweeting or writing about it.
So, I was called, "warned" & told to be respectful to my colleagues. I honestly didn't even think about this after the segment & found it all amusing. "Sure, no problem" I replied & moved on. I'm civil with guests & colleagues on set & in the green room. Never had a problem. 3/
The 2nd warning was after I debated Scott Jennings on Anderson's show. I said he & other Republicans who support Trump need to stop acting like spineless amoebas & stand up with ethics and conviction. Good segment, no one yelled, like usual, all good. Another call. Warning #2.
The 3rd warning was over a harmless tweet about Rand Paul after it was announced he got COVID. He had recently used the Senate gym and attended lunches. I pushed back this time because I thought it was ridiculous. Still, I deleted the tweet and moved on.
The "3.5th" warning was after the now infamous segment about U-Crane with @TheRickWilson. A day later, this became a completely manufactured, coordinated and publicized outrage by the right-wing. I don't think Rick has been invited back. Here's the clip:
Notice a trend? I never whined to management about tweets, articles, and comments written about me by folks in the right-wing ecosystem. It's the "F your feelings" crowd who is against cancel culture and political correctness & all about free speech that tried to get me fired.
Personally, I had a great experience at CNN. The hosts, producers, most of my colleagues were always supportive. Even the "warnings" I could tell were forced, as if they had to call, check the box, and do it just to assuage the whining of the right. But just notice the pattern.
One more comment: some are assuming I was let go for all this. Nope. I was told my contract wasn't renewed due to pandemic economics and coverage. At the time, it was COVID coverage 24-7, and they didn't have me on since March. I have no reason to doubt them. All good.
Final comment: some of you, and now my wife, think this thread will hurt my career & future employment. I certainly hope not. But, honestly, if it does, maybe those people weren't the best partners for me & vice versa, right? We'll make the best of it & keep moving forward.
*** Final, final comment: some POC at CNN reached out to me & were appreciative of this thread. Said it makes their lives a bit easier. Glad it helps. I just hope the culture across the media industry changes & takes this current moment to do a deep reflection & emerge better.
