Responding to RNC Chair Reince Priebus’ demand for an apology over an offensive tweet suggesting conservatives are against interracial marriage, MSNBC has fired the author of the tweet, and network President Phil Griffin has apologized to Preibus.
Here’s the statement from Griffin:
The tweet last night was outrageous and unacceptable. We immediately acknowledged that it was offensive and wrong, apologized, and deleted it. We have dismissed the person responsible for the tweet.
I personally apologize to Mr. Priebus and to everyone offended. At msnbc we believe in passionate, strong debate about the issues and we invite voices from all sides to participate. That will never change.Advertisement
Griffin’s apology comes after Priebus banned all RNC officials from appearing on MSNBC.
MSNBC’s swift action in response to this online comment comes after a string of controversial on-air comments in the last months of 2013: Melissa Harris-Perry’s panel mocking Mitt Romney’s African-American grandchild, Martin Bashir’s resignation after making vile comments about Sarah Palin, and Alec Baldwin and MSNBC parting ways after the actor hurled anti-gay slurs toward a photographer.
>Update: Priebus will appear on “Hannity” tonight to talk about the incident.