Cornel West stormed out of a heated debate on Piers Morgan Uncensored Monday night after clashing with Morgan and fellow panelists over the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the role of political rhetoric in fueling violence.
Kirk’s assassination has reignited concerns about political extremism, with Morgan pointing to the woke left for its relentless demonization of conservatives. “There is little doubt to me that the constant rhetoric on the left, the woke left … ever since Donald Trump came into power in 2016, has been this relentless use of the phrases ‘Hitler,’ ‘Nazis,’ ‘fascists’ about Trump and about Trump’s supporters,” Morgan said.
Morgan argued that this language seeps into the minds of young people, convincing them that violence may be justified. “Do you agree that this language, this relentless, in my view, woeful misuse, particularly of the word ‘Nazi,’ towards Trump and his supporters, is part of the problem?” he pressed West.
West countered by pointing to “organized greed and weaponized hatred” in society, but admitted he had described Trump’s administration as a “neo-fascist movement.” That acknowledgment drew sharp criticism from fellow guest Andrew Wilson, who argued such rhetoric contributes to tragedies like Kirk’s assassination.
The exchange quickly escalated, with West accusing Morgan of chasing ratings rather than hosting a fair debate. Finally, he stood up, declaring, “It’s a joke, man! It’s not worth it!” before storming off camera.
Afterward, Morgan summed up the moment: “It is farcical to quit a debate where we’re literally debating about the importance of free speech and being able to listen to each other’s opinions.”
