CNN commentator Roland Martin suspended, meeting with GLAAD over homophobic tweets
Thu. February 9, 2012 7:42 AM by GoPride.com News Staff
roland martin
Atlanta -
CNN commentator Roland Martin said he is "looking forward to meeting with GLAAD in the near future" after he was suspended for some homophobic tweets during the Super Bowl.
On Sunday, after H&M's commercial which lingered seductively over David Beckham in underwear, Martin tweeted: "If a dude at your Super Bowl party is hyped about David Beckham's H&M underwear ad, smack the ish out of him! #superbowl"
He also tweeted: "Who the hell was that New England Patriot they just showed in a head to toe pink suit? Oh, he needs a visit from #teamwhipdatass"
Martin said his comments were misconstrued.
"My joking about smacking someone, whether it was in response to a commercial or food they prepare for a Super Bowl party or wearing an opposing team's jersey, was stated in jest," he said in a statement afterwards. "It was not meant literally, and in no way would I ever condone someone doing such a thing."
CNN management wasn't laughing.
"Roland Martin's tweets were regrettable and offensive," the company said in a statement. "Language that demeans is inconsistent with the values and culture of our organization, and is not tolerated. We have been giving careful consideration to this matter, and Roland will not be appearing on our air for the time being."
The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation -- which has had its hands full this past year, as Twitter's popularity -- and its opportunities to say stupid things in 140 characters or less -- skyrocketed -- was also not amused.
Before working for CNN, Martin was a radio host in Chicago.
On Sunday, after H&M's commercial which lingered seductively over David Beckham in underwear, Martin tweeted: "If a dude at your Super Bowl party is hyped about David Beckham's H&M underwear ad, smack the ish out of him! #superbowl"
He also tweeted: "Who the hell was that New England Patriot they just showed in a head to toe pink suit? Oh, he needs a visit from #teamwhipdatass"
Martin said his comments were misconstrued.
"My joking about smacking someone, whether it was in response to a commercial or food they prepare for a Super Bowl party or wearing an opposing team's jersey, was stated in jest," he said in a statement afterwards. "It was not meant literally, and in no way would I ever condone someone doing such a thing."
CNN management wasn't laughing.
"Roland Martin's tweets were regrettable and offensive," the company said in a statement. "Language that demeans is inconsistent with the values and culture of our organization, and is not tolerated. We have been giving careful consideration to this matter, and Roland will not be appearing on our air for the time being."
The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation -- which has had its hands full this past year, as Twitter's popularity -- and its opportunities to say stupid things in 140 characters or less -- skyrocketed -- was also not amused.
Before working for CNN, Martin was a radio host in Chicago.