YMCA bans CNN after Donald Trump brands broadcaster ‘fake news’

Earlier this month the President-elect clashed with one of CNN’s reporters after the news channel reported explosive claims about his alleged behaviour at a Russian hotel.

In a leaked dossier it was claimed Mr Trump had “hired the presidential suite of the Ritz Carlton, where he knew President and Mrs Obama (whom he hated) had stayed on one of their official trips to Russia and defiled the bed where they slept”.

Despite BuzzFeed News being the first to publish the report, the 45th President of the United States tore into CNN for reporting on the story.

Speaking at his first press conference, Donald Trump said: “It’s a disgrace what took place, it’s a disgrace and I think they ought to apologise to start with.”

SKY • PH

Donald Trump branded CNN 'fake news' in fiery clash

And as the journalist challenged the businessman to answer his questions, Mr Trump snapped: “Quiet, quiet, she’s asking a question don’t be rude. Don’t be rude.

“I’m not going to give you a question, you are fake news.”

Following the Republican’s slap down of CNN, the Valparaiso Family YMCA has declared the channel off-limits in its workout room.

In return, the gym has been accused of censorship as one member pointed out the timing of the ban was peculiar.

GETTY

The gym has been accused of censorship after banning CNN following the row with Mr Trump

To me, it’s blatant censorship

Greg Quartucci

Greg Quartucci, who has been a member of YMCA for more than 10 years, said: “To me, it’s blatant censorship that I find very surprising.

“The timing of this was very peculiar because I think it was basically a day or two after Mr Trump claimed that CNN was fake news.”

Mr Quartucci also said the decision was surprising as CNN has been a regular fixture on the gym television for years.

“I think they switched to the cooking channel,” he added.

Continuing, the YMCA member accused the organisation of having given in to a minority of people who complained about the broadcaster’s coverage of the President-elect.

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Branding it “blatant censorship”, he said: “It is a Christian organisation. It’s all about freedom and opportunity, and what they’re doing, I personally think is against what they have on their walls and against what they have as their mission.”

Responding to the criticism, Valparaiso Y said: “In order to eliminate perceived political bias associated with national news outlets, the Valparaiso Family YMCA will only be showing local news channels in the future.”

It comes as CNN was criticised after it aired a segment which covered what would happen if everyone at Mr Trump's inauguration was killed.

Click here for live coverage of Donald Trump’s inauguration day as he prepares to be sworn is as the 45th President of the US.

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