Fox News’ Shep Smith appeared to hang up on New York Times London bureau chief Steven Erlanger Friday afternoon after an interview regarding the Charlie Hebdo massacre in Paris devolved into a testy exchange of hostilities.
The interview went off the rails almost immediately after the Fox News host questioned Erlanger about unconfirmed warnings of a second Charlie Hebdo-style attack in the West.
“[W]e need to be careful in the moments after [an attack],” Erlanger counseled.
“You don’t have to tell me that,” Smith shot back.
Things got worse from there.
“I’m very curious about, you said we need to be careful. On what matter did you think we were not careful, based on what you just said and what we reported, Mr. Erlanger?” Smith pushed.
“I mean, frankly, I have not been listening very, very carefully to you –” Erlanger started.
“Uh huh. So you just said that because why?” Smith asked.
“I’m not getting in a fight with you,” Erlanger said.
“That’s good,” a very combative Smith responded.
The conversation eventually evolved into an ultimatum from the New York Times bureau chief.
“I’m simply saying that — look, you asked me to come and talk to you,” Erlanger said. “I’m telling you what I think I know.”
“Well, you told me that you thought we need to be careful and what I can report to you, sir, is we’re being very careful,” Smith said, talking over Erlanger.
Erlanger shot back: “I’m sorry, sir — either you’re going to let me talk or you’re not.”
That was apparently enough for Smith, who abruptly ended the interview and transitioned over to Fox White House correspondent Ed Henry.
A spokeswoman for Fox News did not respond to the Washington Examiner’s request for comment. Erlanger did not respond either.
