Two Fox News contributors suspended after using profanity while criticizing Obama
Two Fox News contributors were yanked off the air Monday after some coarse discourse about President Obama.
Stacey Dash, the actress best known for known for her role in the movie “Clueless,†used a profanity in discussing the president’s Sunday night Oval Office speech on the terrorism threat in the aftermath of the shooting rampage in San Bernardino.
Dash made the remark during the Fox News panel show “Outnumbered,†where she sits in one week a month. She will not appear for the rest of the week.
Earlier on Fox Business Network, Lt. Ralph Peters used a vulgar term to describe Obama as being weak on the terrorism issue. Program host Stuart Varney told Peters his language was inappropriate and told him to apologize to the audience, which he did.
Peters is a frequent guest on national security issues on Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network
“Earlier today, Fox contributors Lt. Col. Ralph Peters and Stacey Dash made comments on different programs that were completely inappropriate and unacceptable for our air,†said Bill Shine, Fox senior executive vice president. “Fox Business Network and Fox News Channel do not condone the use of such language, and have suspended both Peters and Dash for two weeks.â€
Both Peters and Dash are paid for their appearances on Fox News as commentators. They are not full-time employees nor do they function as journalists for the organization.
Commentators and hosts who have used harsh or inappropriate language have been suspended by TV networks in the past. But it is rare for people with live television experience to use profanities that are clearly not acceptable in a serious news forum.
On Twitter, Dash had no regrets: “Consequences. Some of us have to pay them. Gladly.â€
Twitter: @SteveBattaglio
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