British journalist Martin Bashir resigned from MSNBC after a three year stint on the cable network. This comes after his scathing attack of Sarah Palin during a Nov. 15 broadcast.
He announced his departure Wednesday via email to Mediate, “Upon further reflection, and after meeting with the President of MSNBC, I have tendered my resignation. It is my sincere hope that all of my colleagues, at this special network, will be allowed to focus on the issues that matter without the distraction of myself or my ill-judged comments.”
“I deeply regret what was said, will endeavor to work hard at making constructive contributions in the future and will always have a deep appreciation for our viewers — who are the smartest, most compassionate and discerning of all television audiences. I would also wish to express deepest gratitude to my immediate colleagues, and our contributors, all of whom have given so much of themselves to our broadcast.”
Bashir called the former Alaska governor a “world-class idiot” and a “dunce,” suggesting that someone should defecate in Palin’s mouth. The following day he apologized on-air and then requested a leave of absence.
Palin responded to the comments during an interview with Fox News Sunday and accused MSNBC of “executive hypocrisy” in dealing with Bashir’s controversial comments.
Upon learning of his resignation, Palin said, “My role is to accept his apology and be humble enough to accept it and move on. At this point I’m used to it.”
MSNBC president Phil Griffin released a statement, “Martin Bashir resigned today, effective immediately. I understand his decision and I thank him for three great years with MSNBC. Martin is a good man and respected colleague — we wish him only the best.”
Alec Baldwin’s cable show on the same network got the boot last week after the former ’30 Rock’ star used a gay slur while fighting with a photographer in Manhattan. The incident was captured on tape and the damning evidence led to the cancellation of his short-lived cable news show.
Baldwin tweeted yesterday, “I wish @MartinBashir the best of luck. Some of these cable venues really are Off-Off Television.”
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