Reza Aslan, who hosted the CNN’s “Believer,” has been fired from the network after calling President Trump a “piece of s—” in a tweet.
“CNN has decided to not move forward with production on the acquired series ‘Believer’ with Reza Aslan (season two). We wish Reza and his production team all the best,” a network spokeswoman said.
Aslan, an Iranian-American, was angry at Trump’s response to the terrorist attack in London that left seven dead and dozens wounded. The University of California at Riverside professor and TV host posted and then deleted the tweet attacking Trump’s use of several terrorist incidents in the UK to push his travel ban.
“This piece of s— is a not just an embarrassment to America and a stain on the presidency. He’s an embarrassment to humankind,” Aslan wrote.
Aslan later apologized, saying, “I should have used better language to express my shock and frustration at the president’s lack of decorum and sympathy for the victims of London. I apologize for my choice of words.”
“Believer” would have entered a second season had it been picked up.
Aslan told TheWrap in a statement: “Obviously I am very disappointed in this decision. Believer means a great deal to me and to the countless viewers it’s reached. Its message of religious tolerance and exploration is extremely important right now. I am deeply grateful to CNN for giving me the opportunity to launch the show and to amplify my voice on their network. I am especially grateful to the legion of people within the Turner organization who worked so hard to make the show a hit series. However, in these politically charged times, the tenor of our nation’s discourse has become complicated, and I recognize that CNN needs to protect its brand as an unbiased news outlet. Similarly, I need to honor my voice. I am not a journalist. I am a social commentator and scholar. And so I agree with CNN that it is best that we part ways. I look forward to partnering with another platform in the future to continue to spread my message. I wish CNN all the best.”