CNN ran a segment while "interviewing" Rep. Ted Yoho (R-Fla.) where the network displayed a graphic with names of 49 Republican lawmakers who they claim refused to appear on air with them to discuss gun reform.
While his name was not on the list, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) pointed out on Twitter that he was asked to appear on CNN and the network cancelled on him.
Gaetz on his Twitter account wrote that he was asked to appear on CNN's "AC360" and "Outfront" to discuss the topic, but both shows cancelled his appearances.
"I'm ready for the discussion whenever [CNN[ is," he wrote.
I was scheduled for @ErinBurnett today. She cancelled.
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) August 6, 2019
Then I agreed to go on @AC360. They cancelled later in the day.
I’m ready for the discussion whenever @cnn is. https://t.co/LtdadctfCe
The CNN Communications Twitter account fired back, claiming Rep. Gaetz was "wrong" and that the network never agreed to an interview with the congressman to begin with.
Wrong Congressman! Your staff pitched you a week ago for an in-studio interview based on your travel to NY. Both shows declined last week, well before the tragic events over the weekend. Those are the facts.
— CNN Communications (@CNNPR) August 6, 2019
Rep. Gaetz then posted screenshots of communications between him and CNN associates, showing that they clearly had invited him on and that he had accepted.
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) August 6, 2019
Even if CNN had cancelled the interviews before the tragedies of this weekend occurred, their communications staff saying they never tried to schedule the congressman appears to be false.