Loading ...CNN Drops Reza Aslan Following Anti-Trump Tweets
By: Jason Lemon
Source: Stepfeed
Prominent Muslim American academic and TV host Reza Aslan had his CNN show canceled on Friday after he shared an angry tweet about U.S. President Donald Trump.
Aslan, who was born in Iran before moving to the U.S. with his family as a child, referred to Trump as a “piece of sh*t” in a tweet shared on June 3.
The angry reaction came in response to Trump’s renewed call for a travel ban on citizens from several Muslim-majority countries – including Iran – following the recent London attack.
Although Aslan deleted the tweet, the backlash led to CNN canceling the second season of his television series “Believer,” which highlights diverse religious groups and practices throughout the world.
“CNN has decided to not move forward with production on the acquired series Believer with Reza Aslan (season two),” the network told Newsweek. “We wish Reza and his production team all the best.”
For his part, Aslan apologized for the tweet and also released a statement expressing his disappointment over CNN’s decision.
My statement about the cancellation of #Believer pic.twitter.com/ITtXAyQwd5
— Reza Aslan (@rezaaslan) June 9, 2017
While Aslan said he accepts and understands CNN’s decision, he said he is “very disappointed.”
“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,” he wrote.
Despite the controversy, many expressed their dismay with CNN’s decision.
Aslan’s “thoughtful smart perspective” will be missed
Really unjust on CNN’s part. You added an important and always thoughtful smart perspective and deserved better treatment.
— David Rothkopf (@djrothkopf) June 9, 2017
People are calling it censorship
Also Reza Aslan is an opinionated commentator with a personality driven show. Why give him a show if you’re going to censor him?
— Wajahat Ali (@WajahatAli) June 9, 2017
Some say intelligence is being “silenced”
Of course Reza Aslan was fired. His book “Zealot” is excellent. The USA is doing all it can to silence anyone with intelligence. pic.twitter.com/tYRaZb9iby
— Elizabeth Allen (@Elizabe31242685) June 12, 2017
And some are pointing to a bigger issue
You know what’s worse than Reza Aslan calling Trump “A piece of shit”
What Trump has done to us to encite being called “A piece of shit”
— Tony Posnanski (@tonyposnanski) June 10, 2017
This isn’t the first time Aslan and his show have drawn controversy. Hindus had strong criticism for the program after Aslan highlighted an obscure sect of the religion that practices cannibalism.
Aslan’s 2013 book Zealot also drew intense criticism from Christians in the U.S. Focusing on the life of Jesus, the book argues that the real historic figure was not divine and even suggests he may have never existed.
Critics said his opinion was biased because of his Islamic beliefs. However, Aslan responded by pointing out that he has a Ph.D. in religious studies, focusing on Christianity. He is also married to a Christian woman.
