CNN’s John King Caught on Hot Mic Joking ‘Irish Lives Matter’

In the middle of Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney‘s speech at the DNC Monday night, CNN’s John King was caught on a hot mic joking, “Irish lives matter.”

Some context may be valuable here. Kenney was reminding delegates and viewers about the history of the Know Nothing Party, or the American Party, which was a nativist, anti-immigrant movement that began in the mid-19th century. Drawing parallels with the modern GOP, Kenney was informing the audience how Know Nothings stoked anti-Irish, anti-Catholic sentiment to achieve their political ends.

“It’s the Irish Lives Matter movement,” quipped King, apparently unaware his microphone was still live. (King is Irish Catholic.)

“This rhetoric led to riots,” Kenney continued in his history lesson. “St Michael and St Augustine churches were burned to the ground. Some 20 people died. I’m telling you this story for one reason: It’s happening again. The Know Nothings have returned.”

We have reached out to CNN and will update if we hear back.

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Sam Reisman (@thericeman) is a staff editor at Mediaite.

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