Fox News’ Sean Hannity is defending how MSNBC host Joy Reid handled backlash for controversial comments she made on an old blog of hers, and he argued that her apology should be accepted and that she should keep her job.
“It’s good to see Joy (who is no fan of mine) starting to take responsibility for her past remarks. My suggestion is that she follows up with the groups and people who she offended, and learn from all of this. Her apology should be accepted, and she should be given a chance to make it right, and not fired,” Hannity said in a post on his website Friday.
Hannity also addressed attacks leveled against television personalities, and urged for someone to push back on such a culture.
“Someone needs to take the lead in cable news and stop the ‘crush, fire them, and destroy hosts you may disagree with’ environment. I guess as the number one rated host in cable, I’ll start,” he wrote.
“I am grateful for this microphone and the platform given to me everyday by my audience. I am a believer in the freedom of speech for all Americans,” Hannity added. “I am also a believer in second chances. And as someone who believes in forgiveness, I have to say, we have fallen short.”
In one of the controversial blog posts, Reid equated Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., to the 2007 Virginia Tech shooter. She also promoted a 9/11 conspiracy theory and anti-Semitic policies in others.
Reid said in her apology Friday that she has the “highest respect” for McCain and has “no questions” that al Qaeda was responsible for the 9/11 terror attacks.
“I’m sorry for the collateral damage and pain this is causing individuals and communities caught in the crossfire,” Reid said in her apology on Friday.
