CNN bans far-right panelist over vile comment to Mehdi Hasan, who said in shock: “You want me killed live on CNN?”

On Monday night, CNN's anti-Semitism discussion came to an ugly showdown when far-right panelist Ryan James Girdusky mocked fellow commentator Mehdi Hasan and linked him to Hamas terrorists.

The exchange came as Girdusky responded to Hasan's comment about anti-Semitism among Trump's base after Trump's recent rally in New York sparked backlash.

The discussion intensified when Hasan suggested that if right-wingers did not want to be labeled “Nazis,” they should pay attention to speech and behavior that could be construed as anti-Semitic. Girdusky responded, “You are called an anti-Semite more than anyone else at this table,” to which Hasan quickly responded, “Yes, by you.”

Girdusky then stated, “I never called you an anti-Semite.” But a moment later he added, “I hope your beeper doesn't go off,” referring to recent events involving Israeli intelligence, according to reports placed explosive pagers on Hezbollah operatives in Lebanon.

Shocked, Hasan asked directly, “Did you just say I should die?” Did you just say live on CNN that I should be killed?” Girdusky denied any intention to suggest violence, but Hasan tried to host Abby Phillip and pushed : “Did your guest just say I should be killed on live television?”

The discussion intensified when Girdusky attempted to clarify, saying he believed Hasan was a supporter of Hamas, but then reluctantly apologized after Hasan denied any such affiliation. CNN anchor Abby Phillip intervened sternly, telling Girdusky, “Ryan, this is completely out of his own pocket,” to de-escalate the moment before going to commercial.

After returning from the next commercial break, Phillip apologized to Hasan and told viewers that Girdusky had been asked to leave the show.

Watch the ugly showdown between Mehdi Hasan and Ryan James Girdusky

Shortly afterward, CNN released a statement condemning the incident: “There is no room for racism or bigotry at CNN or on our show,” the network said in a statement shared by Phillip on social media. “We want to promote thoughtful conversations and debates between them.” “People who have deeply different opinions are brought together to clarify important questions and promote mutual understanding,” it said.

“But we will not allow guests to be humiliated or to cross the line of politeness. Ryan Girdusky will not be welcome back on our network.”