The Fox News Channel is taking the rare step of "strongly" condemning one of its own talk-show hosts after controversial comments were made regarding U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn.
On Saturday's airing of "Justice With Judge Jeanine," host Jeanine Pirro said of the Muslim congresswoman:
"Think about this. She’s not getting this anti-Israel sentiment doctrine from the Democrat party ... So if it's not rooted in the party, where is she getting it from? Think about it. Omar wears a hijab, which according to the Quran 33:59, tells women to cover so they won’t get molested.
"Is her adherence to this Islamic doctrine indicative of her adherence to shariah law which in itself is antithetical to the United States Constitution?"
President Trump was right when he said the democrat party is now the anti-Israel party. Don’t forget Nancy, history has proven over and over when you appease to anti-Semitic sentiment, the worst happens. #OpeningStatement pic.twitter.com/vrnzhcu95o
— Jeanine Pirro (@JudgeJeanine) March 10, 2019
On Sunday, the network issued a statement about Pirro's remarks, saying: "We strongly condemn Judge Jeanine Pirro's comments about Rep. Ilhan Omar.
"They do not reflect those of the network and we have addressed the matter with her directly."
Omar thanked Fox News via her Twitter account Monday, telling her 720,000 followers:
"Thank you, @FoxNews. No one's commitment to our constitution should be questioned because of their faith or country of birth."
Thank you, @FoxNews. No one’s commitment to our constitution should be questioned because of their faith or country of birth. https://t.co/haqm7NWRw0
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) March 11, 2019
In the wake of the controversy, Pirro issued her own statement.
"I've seen a lot of comments about my opening statement from Saturday night's show and I did not call Rep. Omar un-American,” Pirro explained.
"My intention was to ask a question and start a debate, but of course because one is Muslim does not mean you don't support the Constitution. I invite Rep. Omar to come on my show any time to discuss all of the important issues facing America today."
Public reaction online is mixed, with comments including:
- "I didn't see anything wrong with Pirro's remarks."
- "She said nothing wrong, Fox, so your reproof of her comments are unfounded and have no basis in truth."
- "Will we hear Jeanine Pirro condemn Jewish women who wear head coverings? Or SiKH women, or Hindu women? What about Coptic Christian women, or Orthodox Christian women? Why is she singling out a Muslim woman? Is that Constitutional? I know I have a lot of questions, but can anybody explain how Pirro was ever [an expletive] judge?"
- "By 'addressed the matter with her directly,' they're probably using legalese a**-covering code for they gave her a high-five and told her to 'keep up the good work.'"
- "OH! So CNN and Fox News SUPPORT death sentence for gays! Also husbands can beat their wives! Wow what a reveal!"
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