Liberal watchdog group Media Matters for America denounced a protest that took place outside the home of Tucker Carlson, telling TheWrap on Thursday that the use of “abusive” intimidation tactics were unacceptable.
“Attempts to intimidate and other abusive conduct is not acceptable. It’s not acceptable when Tucker Carlson and others on Fox News do it — and what happened at Carlson’s home and to his family is not acceptable. Period,” said the media watchdog organization.
“If you are interested in holding Tucker Carlson accountable and reducing his influence, start by first holding yourself to a higher standard and then by contacting Fox News’ advertisers and urging them to stop financially supporting racism.”
The condemnation is notable, as Media Matters has been among the strongest and most persistent critics of Fox News for years. The organization has been the primary force behind boycotts that have devastated network stars like Glenn Beck, Bill O’Reilly and Laura Ingraham. Their team of researchers comb through Fox News coverage to isolate offensive moments that are sent to channel sponsors.
The MMFA condemnation was seconded by the organization’s senior fellow Matthew Gertz.
“This behavior is way over the line,” said Gertz. “Going to someone’s home, breaking their door, and terrorizing their family is unacceptable. It’s also extremely counterproductive if your interest is actually in reducing his influence.”
This behavior is way over the line. Going to someone’s home, breaking their door, and terrorizing their family is unacceptable. It’s also extremely counterproductive if your interest is actually in reducing his influence. https://t.co/6isCJZIwvC
— Matthew Gertz (@MattGertz) November 8, 2018
On Wednesday evening, a protest group showed up at Carlson’s D.C. home to hurl insults and warn the Fox News host that they knew where he lived. Carlson was not home at the time, but his wife, Susan Andrews, was and hid in the pantry while she called 911, according to The Washington Post.
“We are outside your home to protest your fascism and racism,” said an unnamed man off camera, according to video of the incident. Several protesters later began chanting in unison: “We know where you sleep at night.”
LIVE IN DC: Activists call out Fox News' @TuckerCarlson the new voice of Bannonism- at home #KnockKnockFascists https://t.co/uX0hbRsBq3
— Black Lives Matter DC (@DMVBlackLives) November 7, 2018
“I called my wife,” Carlson told the Post. “Someone started throwing himself against the front door and actually cracked the front door.”
In a statement, Fox News, also condemned the protest and urged everyone to be more respectful of differing points of view:
The incident that took place at Tucker’s home last night was reprehensible. The violent threats and intimidation tactics toward him and his family are completely unacceptable. We as a nation have become far too intolerant of different points of view. Recent events across our country clearly highlight the need for a more civil, respectful, and inclusive national conversation. Those of us in the media and in politics bear a special obligation to all Americans, to find common ground.