CNN, after recently placing a banner graphic on screen that appeared to give in to right-wing extremist propaganda about Jewish people, has issued a formal apology.
On Monday’s broadcast of The Lead, CNN used a “chryon” — a graphic that appears in the lower part of the screen — to describe the views of the “alt-right”, a group of American nationalists who have become synonymous with white suprematicism, anti-semitism, and rejection of mainstream conservatism. The graphic said: “Alt-Right Founder Questions if Jews are People.”
People took to social media to express their outrage minutes after this graphic appeared. Jake Tapper, the anchor who typically hosts The Lead during late afternoons, expressed his disgust about the graphics on Twitter. “I’m off this week and I’m furious about that chyron and my staff has heard from me. Unacceptable,” he tweeted.
“It was poor judgment and we very much regret it and apologize,” CNN said in a statement.
The graphic was displayed during in the midst of a talk between Jim Sciutto, hosting in Tapper’s place, and two guests, Variety reported. They were discussing the notable growth of support for President-elect Donald Trump from people who hold extreme views regarding white citizens and Jews.