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CNN Suspends Analyst For Beckham Tweet
A political analyst for US news network CNN has been suspended for “offensive” homophobic tweets made about David Beckham during the Super Bowl.
Analyst Roland Martin tweeted about an advertisement for HM, featuring David Beckham, during the game, saying, "If a dude at your Super Bowl party is hyped about David Beckham's H&M underwear ad, smack the ish out of him #superbowl [sic]"
GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) were quick to respond, tweeting, "Advocates of gay bashing have no place at @CNN."
On Monday, GLAAD launched a petition calling for CNN to fire Martin.
"Roland Martin's tweets were regrettable and offensive," CNN said today in a statement announcing Martin's suspension. "Language that demeans is inconsistent with the values and culture of our organisation, 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."
GLAAD spokesman Rich Ferraro responded to the news of Martin's suspension in a statement saying, "CNN today took a strong stand against anti-LGBT violence and language that demeans any community."
"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."