Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Turner
Reza Aslan.
CNN has cut ties with television host Reza Aslan by canceling his second season of "Believer," following a profane tweet in which he called President Donald Trump a "piece of s--t.""CNN has decided to not move forward with production on the acquired series Believer with Reza Aslan," read a CNN statement via the entertainment news website Deadline. "We wish Reza and his production team all the best."
A message posted to Aslan's Twitter account on Saturday read, "This piece of s--t is not just an embarrassment to America and a stain on the presidency. He's an embarrassment to humankind,"
The tweet came shortly after Trump called for a renewed travel ban following a terrorist attack in London.
Aslan later issued an apology, saying that he "lost his cool" and responded in "derogatory fashion."
"I should have used better language to express my shock and frustration at the president's lack of decorum and sympathy for the victims of London," Aslan's statement read. "I apologize for my choice of words."
Aslan issued a statement on Twitter after CNN's announcement:
"Obviously I am very disappointed in this decision. Believer means a great deal to me and to the countless viewers it's reached. Its message of religious tolerance and exploration is extremely important right now. I am deeply grateful to CNN for giving me the opportunity to launch the show and to amplify my voice on their network. I am especially grateful to the legion of people within the Turner organization who worked so hard to make the show a hit series.
However, in these politically charged times, the tenor of our nation's discourse has become complicated, and I recognize that CNN needs to protect its brand as an unbiased news outlet. Similarly, I need to honor my voice. I am not a journalist. I am a social commentator and scholar. And so I agree with CNN that it is best that we part ways. I look forward to partnering with another platform in the future to continue to spread my message. I wish CNN all the best."
Aslan's show "Believer" premiered in March and showcased various religions and customs throughout the world. The second season of the show was announced in May and was already in production, CNN reported.
CNN also broke away from comedian Kathy Griffin after she posed with a bloody mock head of Trump last month.