CNN Axes Commentator Marc Lamont Hill Following Controversy Over Israel Comments

Liberal political commentator Marc Lamont Hill is “no longer under contract with CNN,” a network spokesperson confirmed to Contemptor this afternoon.

First reported by Mediaite, Hill was fired by the network as a contributor following a Wednesday speech where he called for a “free Palestine from the river to the sea” while asking other countries to boycott Israel over its treatment of the Palestinians.

“We have an opportunity to not just offer solidarity in words but to commit to political action, grass-roots action, local action and international action that will give us what justice requires and that is a free Palestine from the river to the sea,” Hill stated in the United Nations speech.

Hill’s comments caused a firestorm of controversy, especially on the right, as critics contended that his remarks echoed talking points from Islamic terror groups who want to see the destruction of Israel.

Just before it was announced that he was no longer with CNN, Hill took to Twitter to address the controversy over his remarks, insisting that he does not support anti-Semitism or anything else attributed to his speech by critics.

I normally would ignore the current drama, but it’s actually important to me that I’m clear and understood. As a matter of principle.

— Marc Lamont Hill (@marclamonthill) November 29, 2018

I support Palestinian freedom. I support Palestinian self-determination. I am deeply critical of Israeli policy and practice.

I do not support anti-Semitism, killing Jewish people, or any of the other things attributed to my speech. I have spent my life fighting these things.

— Marc Lamont Hill (@marclamonthill) November 29, 2018

My reference to “river to the sea” was not a call to destroy anything or anyone. It was a call for justice, both in Israel and in the West Bank/Gaza. The speech very clearly and specifically said those things. No amount of debate will change what I actually said or what I meant.

— Marc Lamont Hill (@marclamonthill) November 29, 2018

This isn’t a case of throwing rocks and hiding hands. I genuinely believe in the arguments and principles that I shared in the speech. I also genuinely want peace, freedom, and security for everyone. These are not competing ideals and values.

— Marc Lamont Hill (@marclamonthill) November 29, 2018

We have reached out to Hill for comment and will update this post if we hear back.