More than 100,000 Sikhs call New Jersey home but two radio hosts seemed to have trouble using the name of state attorney general Gurbir Singh Grewal.
Now, there is outrage over their repeated reference to Grewal as “that Turban man” and “the Turban man” during a talk show discussing marijuana laws.
Thank you to @GovMurphy, @NJSenatePres, @CoryBooker, @RaviBhalla & so many others for your support last night. You’ve got my back – and the backs of all New Jerseyans.
Others have faced far worse. We rise above this. Now let’s get back to business. pic.twitter.com/f2TqL4vzB5
— Gurbir S. Grewal (@GurbirGrewalNJ) July 26, 2018
More than 100,000 Sikhs call New Jersey home but two radio hosts seemed to have trouble using the name of state attorney general Gurbir Singh Grewal.
Now, there is outrage over their repeated reference to Grewal as “that Turban man” and “the Turban man” during a talk show discussing marijuana laws.
Governor Phil Murphy wasted no time coming to the defence of his AG – the first Sikh attorney general in US history. He called the comments abhorrent and Xenophobic.
“Outraged by the abhorrent and xenophobic comments mocking @NewJerseyOAG on The @DennisandJudi Show on @nj1015. Hate speech has no place in NJ, and does not belong on our airwaves.Station management must hold the hosts accountable for these intolerant and racist comments,” said the governor in a tweet.
Hundreds of others came forward to support Grewal.
Among them were senator Bob Menendez and Police Chief Bryan Gurney.
“More than 100k Sikhs call NJ home because it is one of the most diverse states in the nation, where religious intolerance is not welcome. Those kind of comments feed bigots, and cause real damage. I stand w/ @GurbirGrewalNJ” – Tweeted Senator Bob Menendez.
“Gurbir is a man that will look you in the eye, shake your head and then ask about your family. He remembers everybody’s name and the name of your children. New Jersey is very lucky to have him as our attorney general. Any disparaging remarks about him or ignorant,” said chief Bryan Gurney
“You’ve got my back – and the backs of all New Jerseyans,” Grewal responded.
“Others have faced far worse. We rise above this. Now let’s get back to business.” said the AG.
The radio station – nj1015 – issued a statement late Wednesday saying Dennis Malloy and Judi Franco were removed from the air indefinitely.
“We are aware of the offensive comments made by Dennis and Judi during today’s broadcast,” according to a statement on the station’s website nj1015.com . “We have taken immediate action and have taken them off the air until further notice. We are investigating the matter and will have further comment shortly.”
But host Malloy was unrepentent:
“I’m never gonna know his name. I’m just gonna say the guy with the turban,” Malloy said. “Listen, and if that offends you then don’t wear the turban and maybe I’ll remember your name”
