MSNBC host Martin Bashir resigned Wednesday after making
controversial comments on his show Nov. 15 about former Alaska Gov. Sarah
Palin.
“After meeting with the president of MSNBC, I have tendered
my resignation. It is my sincere hope that all of my colleagues, at this
special network, will be allowed to focus on the issues that matter without the
distraction of myself or my ill-judged comments,” Mr. Bashir wrote in a
statement. “I deeply regret what was said, will endeavor to work hard at making
constructive contributions in the future and will always have a deep
appreciation for our viewers.”
On his show, Mr. Bashir had called Ms. Palin a “world-class
idiot” for comparing U.S. indebtedness to China to slavery. He then quoted from
the diary of a plantation owner who punished his slaves by having others
defecate in their mouths, and suggested that Ms. Palin would be an “outstanding
candidate” for such treatment.
He subsequently apologized on MSNBC, calling his comments
“deeply offensive” and “wholly unacceptable.” But outrage at his comments
continued, with commentators on the left and right criticizing Mr. Bashir for
crossing a line. Ms. Palin canceled an interview with NBC’s “Today” that week
and objected to his “evil, vile” comments on “Fox News Sunday” Nov. 24. Tim
Crawford, treasurer of Ms. Palin’s political action committee, asked in a
letter to the network what disciplinary measures would be taken for Mr. Bashir’s
“appalling” statement.
Mr. Bashir took two weeks off following his apology as MSNBC
said it was handling the matter internally. His resignation Wednesday will be
effective immediately.
“I understand his decision and I thank him for three great
years with MSNBC,” said MSNBC President Phil Griffin in a statement. “Martin is
a good man and respected colleague—we wish him only the best.”
MSNBC also announced it had ended Alec Baldwin’s show “Up
Late” last week. The show was suspended in early November after Mr. Baldwin
made anti-gay comments to a photographer in New York.
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