Did Reza Aslan deserve to be fired? | The Tylt
CNN canceled Reza Aslan's show "Believer" after Aslan called President Trump "a piece of shit" for his response to the London terrorist attacks. Aslan apologized for his words before CNN cut ties with him, and his defenders say CNN went way too far—Aslan is the host of a TV show, not a news anchor or journalist. But others (including Aslan himself) agreed Aslan crossed the line of professionalism, and many don't blame CNN for letting him go. Was Aslan's firing just? ⚖️

Aslan himself acknowledged that he should have chosen different words to express his anger at the president.
I should not have used a profanity to describe the President when responding to his shocking reaction to the #LondonAttacks. My statement: pic.twitter.com/pW69jjpoZy
— Reza Aslan (@rezaaslan) June 4, 2017
But Aslan and others were clearly shocked that CNN chose to cancel his show, which covered global religion and has received rave reviews for its educational and informative coverage. Reza is a social commentator, not a journalist. Plus, he apologized and owned that his comments were unprofessional.
My statement about the cancellation of #Believer pic.twitter.com/ITtXAyQwd5
— Reza Aslan (@rezaaslan) June 9, 2017
Others applauded CNN's move.
Good job #TrumpTrain! Our tweets exposing Reza Aslan detestable tweet before he could delete made ALL the difference! FIRED from #CNN! #MAGA pic.twitter.com/pfVnQKdnMu
— M A Nöthem (@mikandynothem) June 9, 2017
Many questioned whether Aslan's show would have been canceled if he were white and Christian.
white privilege is @billmaher saying the n-word with zero consequences, and @rezaaslan calling trump a piece of shit and losing his show
— marisa kabas (@MarisaKabas) June 10, 2017
And even people who disagree with Aslan's views thought his dismissal was ridiculous.
I think @rezaaslan is wrong on political Islam and naive about the Iranian regime, but getting canned for a rude tweet about POTUS is crap.
— Eli Lake (@EliLake) June 10, 2017
Others pointed out that Aslan had a right to express himself, but then he also has to deal with the fallout.
The First Amendment doesn't guarantee employment, apparently.
— David Carter (@MrDavidCarter) June 10, 2017
Describing the president as excrement just went too far for some.
WOW 👎👎 glad he his gone there is no need for that stuff !!! 😕
— Albert (@albertr46) June 10, 2017
But others asked: Where's the lie?
#ImwithReza Trump is a piece of shit.@rezaaslan
— nadinevanderVelde (@nadinevdVelde) June 10, 2017
CNN is after all a business, and they responded to pressure from viewers to fire Aslan.
Reza Aslan has crossed the line. CNN must act now. pic.twitter.com/GyEJkfG2oz
— MediaResearchCenter (@theMRC) June 9, 2017
Sean Hannity said CNN went too far in firing Aslan. SEAN HANNITY.
Reza calling the @POTUS a POS is bad form. Calling me the same fair game. I do not think you should be fired. You apologized #FreeSpeech https://t.co/VBof8qHsxY
— Sean Hannity (@seanhannity) June 9, 2017
Trump's defenders say it's just unacceptable for any public figure to hurl obscenities at the president without consequences.
Sean... For the most part I really like you. In this case I 💯% disagree with you & annoyed. Reza crossed the line. Dismissal was right.
— Mr Rick 🇺🇸🇨🇦 (@I_am_MrRick) June 9, 2017