An Alabama newscaster faced significant backlash after quoting the founder of a recognized terrorist organization during a live endorsement.
On Thursday night, during a broadcast on ABC 33/40 in Birmingham, Ashonti Ford, 38, addressed viewers saying, “Before we go, let me quote the founder of the Muslim Brotherhood: ‘The quieter you are, the more you can hear.’
Ford referenced Hassan al-Banna, the deceased founder of the Muslim Brotherhood.
Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) responded to the incident by stating on X: “Absolute madness. The radical Muslim Brotherhood is a terrorist organization.”
One user expressed disbelief, asking, “Who decided to use quotes? That clown has to go!”
“She should be fired!!” another commenter added.
In January, U.S. state departments officially labeled sections of the Muslim Brotherhood as Specially Designated Global Terrorist Groups.
Jeff Cox, the news director for ABC 33/40, which belongs to Sinclair Broadcast Group, issued an apology on Monday for the quote. “The purpose of our final segment is to always end our newscasts on a positive and thoughtful note,” he stated. “The quotes included that night were not intended to convey any political or ideological message.” He recognized that it was interpreted that way and sincerely apologized to those offended.
Cox emphasized that Ford did not participate in choosing the quote, assuring that the matter was addressed internally. He mentioned, “This quote was read by Ashonti Ford, who had nothing to do with the selection. We are evaluating this matter internally and making changes to ensure our content consistently meets our editorial standards.”
A Sinclair representative commented that ABC 33/40 has enhanced its editorial review procedures to ensure the content aligns with the station’s standards. They affirmed that the on-air staff wasn’t involved in the quote selection, describing it as an editorial matter that was managed internally.
According to reports, Ford faced no disciplinary action and continues to present news on the station.
