CNN editor Mohammed Elshamy resigned in late July after his 2011 anti-Semitic tweets were re-surfaced. In one tweet, he called bombing victims “Jewish pigs.” He also tweeted, “Israel is the main enemy for the people of Egypt and shall always remain despite rulers who lick Jewish legs,” according to the Daily Caller.
iMediaEthics wrote to CNN to ask if it requested Elshamy’s resignation. A CNN spokesperson told iMediaEthics by e-mail:
“The network has accepted the resignation of a photo editor, who joined CNN earlier this year, after anti-Semitic statements he’d made in 2011 came to light. CNN is committed to maintaining a workplace in which every employee feels safe, secure and free from discrimination regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or religion.”
Fox News reported the tweets were “unearthed by political strategic Arthur Schwartz,” however the Times of Israel reported an Israeli government press officer staffer found the tweets.
In a July 26 statement, Elshamy called his 2011 remarks “offensive and hateful.” We’ve written to Elshamy for more information.
“I want to unequivocally express my apology to everyone, especially those in the Jewish community, who were offended by the tweets. I also want to apologize to my family, friends, and mentors who I am ashamed to have let down in this way.”
Elshamy said the tweets were from when he was 16 years old and do not represent his curent views or values.