Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

CNN's Scott Jennings Curses Colleague, Faces Firing Calls

5/2/2026

31 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

CNN commentator Scott Jennings swore at fellow panelist Adam Mockler during NewsNight with Abby Phillip.
The tirade occurred during a debate on the U.S. war in Iran, where Scott Jennings failed to cite any political concession.
MeidasTouch, former CNN anchor Jim Acosta, former White House aide Keith Boykin, Governor Gavin Newsom’s press office and commentator Mehdi Hasan all demanded Scott Jennings be fired.

History

Historical Context

In April 2007 Don Imus called the Rutgers women’s basketball team “nappy-headed hos,” prompting CBS Radio to suspend and then fire him, lose major advertisers and settle his $40 million contract on August 14. The backlash echoed later incidents such as CNN commentator Scott Jennings’ profanity, illustrating a growing pattern of swift corporate and public retaliation against on-air hate speech.

1 of 2

Story summary

CNN commentator Scott Jennings swore at fellow panelist Adam Mockler during NewsNight with Abby Phillip.
The tirade occurred during a debate on the U.S. war in Iran, where Scott Jennings failed to cite any political concession.
MeidasTouch, former CNN anchor Jim Acosta, former White House aide Keith Boykin, Governor Gavin Newsom’s press office and commentator Mehdi Hasan all demanded Scott Jennings be fired.

1 / 2