TODAY IN TRUMPLAND TV

NewsMax TV Host Thinks Jussie Smollett Got Off Easier Than Roseanne Barr

Caller rants that ‘Hollywood just goes about protecting those kind of people'—but ignores the facts.

Because we watch Trumpland TV so you don’t have to, we learned that NewsMax TV host Joe Pags believes that it is unfair for Jussie Smollett to still be a cast member on Fox’s Empire while being charged with a federal crime—as opposed to Roseanne Barr, who was fired from ABC last year for a racist tweet against former Obama aide Valerie Jarrett.

“This is all so biased and very sad. In Jussie Smollett’s case, anything where he appears should be boycotted. I, for one, will do that,” a caller said who dialed into the show. She was particularly upset with what she perceived as lenient treatment towards Smollett in comparison to Barr losing her job in May 2018.

“Why exactly—in your opinion—do you think Fox TV would let him back on set today?” Pags asked.

“People are afraid to do what’s right,” the caller said. “Hollywood just goes about protecting those kind of people.”

In reality, Smollett turned himself into police on Thursday morning and was charged with felony disorderly conduct. After posting bond, he went back to set on Thursday night where he had a meeting and apologized about the controversy and ongoing legal ramifications to the Empire cast and crew, while maintaining his innocence. By Friday morning, Twentieth Century Fox announced that Smollett’s character would be dropped from the final two episodes of the season.

So, Smollett receiving lighter treatment than Barr? Hardly.

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Brooke Leigh HowardRace and Identity Reporter

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