MSNBC president Phil Griffin apologized and fired a staff member who sent out an “offensive” tweet about Cheerios cereal’s new commercial showing a biracial family.
Griffin apologized today for the “outrageous and unacceptable” tweet, published on TwitLonger by CNN’s Brian Stelter. The apology statement confirmed the firing:
“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.”
Sean Spicer, Republican National Committee communications director confirmed the apology on Twitter as well:
Besides the RNC boycott and complaint letter, numerous tweeters sent in their own photos of biracial families under the hashtag #MyRightWingBiracialFamily, according to conservative news site the Blaze.
Earlier this month, MSNBC’s Griffin defended the network’s handling of the recent controversies.
iMediaEthics has written to MSNBC for confirmation and will update with any response.
UPDATE: 1/30/2014 4:37 PM EST Added in news about GOP memo
UPDATE: 1/31/2014 11:42 AM EST Added in Priebus’s comments on Hannity