Controversial Cartoon Leads to Producer’s Firing at OANN
One America News Network (OANN) terminated producer Bish Bra, known for his role on “The Matt Gaetz Show,” following the posting of an AI-generated cartoon that depicted Jews as scheming cockroaches, referring to them as “vermin.” This information was reported by TheWrap.
Network officials found the cartoon—which was shared late last week and subsequently deleted—to be “highly offensive” and “anti-Semitic.” Backlash emerged from both the show and the public against Mr. Bra, who served as the show’s booker and writer. OANN chose not to respond when approached for comment.
In the post accompanying the cartoon, Bra stated he aimed to “expose the Toxic Coalition vermin and their transgressions against MAGA, America First, and Kevin Roberts of the Heritage Foundation.”
Matt Gaetz attempted to minimize the situation on Saturday by addressing it on X, admitting his producer had shared something “stupid” and deleted it promptly. Gaetz acknowledged that he, too, had made impulsive posts on social media, some of which he deleted, while others remained. He noted that both he and Bra would “pay some price” for their actions, stating, “I’m not an internet hole monitor for any of my colleagues (thankfully).”
Gaetz added, “As I can say on The Matt Gaetz Show, we don’t believe in applying prejudice against any group, no matter where they live or how they worship.”
Stella Escobedo, an OANN anchor and Jewish individual, confronted Gaetz on X, expressing her hurt and disappointment over the recent posts targeting Jews. She stated that posts like these can incite violence and that dehumanizing any group is a dangerous precedent.
Critics pointed out that Bra’s cartoon, which featured imagery reminiscent of classic Nazi propaganda, further fueled the backlash. The network’s leadership reviewed the post before deciding to terminate him.
OANN has not released a public statement regarding the situation and declined to comment when approached. When Bra was contacted for his side, he reportedly hung up.
