CNN suspends political analyst for 'offensive' tweets
American broadcaster CNN has suspended political analyst Roland Martin for his ''regrettable and offensive'' tweets during the Super Bowl -- National Football League championship -- after critics alleged that his remark advocated violence against gays.
"Roland Martin's tweets were regrettable and offensive," CNN said in a statement.
"Language that demeans is inconsistent with the values and culture of our organisation, and is not tolerated. We have been giving careful consideration to this matter, and Roland will not be appearing on our air for the time being," it said.
The statement, however, did not specify how long Roland would be suspended.
"If a dude at your Super Bowl party is hyped about David Beckham's H&M underwear ad, smack the ish out of him! #superbowl," one of the tweets said.
"Who the hell was that New England Patriot they just showed in a head to toe pink suit? Oh, he needs a visit from #teamwhipdatass," said another.
Martin initially said he was referring to soccer fans. "I know what I said, why I said it, and it's consistent with me cracking on soccer. Deal with it," he said in another tweet shortly after the first ones.
But in a posting on his website, Martin later apologised for the remarks. "To those who construed my comment as being anti-gay or homophobic or advancing violence, I'm truly sorry...," he said.
The Super Bowl is one of the most-watched events in American TV.
