Muslim Leaders Knock CNN, MTV for Showing "J.Lo" Photos to Afghan Kids
CHICAGO, Dec.21 (News Agencies) - Muslim leaders Thursday criticized cable networks CNN and MTV for showing pictures of pop star Jennifer Lopez to Afghan refugee kids, which they termed outrageous.
The two cable TV networks broadcast a news segment in which CNN reporter Jason Bellini pulled out an American teen magazine with photos of a scantily clad Jennifer Lopez and asked Afghan teens what they thought.
Visibly surprised Afghan teens told Bellini that while "J.Lo" was "very beautiful," she would "never be allowed to dress like that here because her outfit exposes her belly."
Some American Muslim leaders expressed their disgust at the interviews, which aired on CNN's "Newsnight with Aaron Brown," and remarked that they were very disrespectful of Muslim sensitivities.
"I'm surprised a CNN correspondent would not be sensitive to Muslim issues. He should have known better," said Dr. Sayyid Syeed, general secretary of the Islamic Society of North America. "You have to know what the limits are. That's why I think that all journalists should take courses in Islam - Islam 101."
A CNN spokeswoman said that the reporter, who formerly worked for MTV, just showed the magazine to Afghan kids to test their knowledge of American pop stars.
"It was not Jason's intention to be disrespectful. CNN prides itself on its commitment to treat all cultures with respect," she said in a prepared statement.
An MTV spokesman added: "There is absolutely no disrespect intended."
