Fox News apologized Monday night after The Daily Wire’s Michael Knowles repeatedly called attention to the mental health issues of 16-year-old climate change activist Greta Thunberg.
Greta went viral Monday after giving an emotional speech at the United Nations Climate Action Summit, scolding world leaders for their inaction on reducing emissions.
“You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words,” the teen said.
Reacting to her speech on Fox News’ “The Story,” Mr. Knowles called attention to Greta’s mental health issues but was quickly admonished by liberal commentator Christopher Hahn.
“The climate hysteria movement is not about science,” Mr. Knowles said. “If it were about science it would be led by scientists rather than by politicians and a mentally ill Swedish child who is being exploited by her parents and by the international left.”
“How dare you,” Mr. Hahn interjected. “You’re a grown man and you’re attacking a child — shame on you.”
“I’m not, I’m attacking the left for exploiting a mentally ill child,” Mr. Knowles responded.
“Relax, skinny boy, I got this, OK?” Mr. Hahn yelled. “You’re attacking a child, you’re a grown man. Have some couth.”
“I’m not,” Mr. Knowles repeated. “I’m attacking the left for exploiting a mentally ill child.”
“Maybe on your podcast you can get away and say whatever you want because nobody is listening,” Mr. Hahn said. “You’re on national television, be a grown-up when you’re talking about children. She’s trying to save the planet because your president doesn’t believe in climate change. And kids need to take to the streets to worry about their future. You are despicable for talking about her like that and you should apologize on national television right now.”
Mr. Knowles went on to correctly point out that Greta has been diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, selective mutism and depression.
“Take it back now!” Mr. Hahn erupted. “You are despicable.”
A Fox News spokesperson said in a statement that Mr. Knowles‘ comments about the teen were “despicable.”
“The comment made by Michael Knowles who was a guest on The Story tonight was disgraceful — we apologize to Greta Thunberg and to our viewers,” the spokesperson said.
Fox News also told The Hollywood Reporter’s Jeremy Barr that it has no plans to work with Mr. Knowles in the future.
