“In an exchange that can best be described as “peak 2020,” CNN fired back at Kirstie Alley on Friday, after the actor criticized the network’s COVID-19 coverage. The spat began when Alley, who is known for her conservative politics, accused CNN of fearmongering with its reporting on the coronavirus pandemic. I now Know why my personal friends who walk around in SHEER TERROR of contracting Covid are simply CNN viewers! I decided to watch CNN myself to get a their viewpoint and oh my God DID I EVER!!!! IF YOU TOO WANT TO LIVE IN TERROR WATCH CNN!! FEAR OF DYING IS THEIR MANTRA! OMG!— Kirstie Alley (@kirstiealley) 十月 30, 2020 It seemed that the “Cheers” and “Look Who’s Talking” was ignoring the threat that COVID-19 continues to pose around the world. On Thursday, the number of confirmed coronavirus infections in the U.S. surpassed 9 million, with several states reporting their highest tally of daily cases since the start of the pandemic. Hours after Alley tweeted, CNN retorted, offering the actor some pointed advice. “Kirstie, you are welcome to change the channel,” the network wrote. It then took a jab at “Veronica’s Closet,” Alley’s NBC sitcom that was canceled in 2000 after three seasons. Kirstie, you are welcome to change the channel – just like countless viewers did every time “Veronica’s Closet” came on TV. But don’t downplay the loss of nearly 230K American lives. And please, wear a mask.— CNN Communications (@CNNPR) 十月 30, 2020 Alley, who earlier this month endorsed President Donald Trump’s reelection bid, is no stranger to making eyebrow-raising statements on social media. In March, she applauded Trump for “taking charge” when it came to COVID-19, seemingly overlooking the fact that the president had dismissed the threat and disputed science since the beginning of the pandemic. And in September, she took aim at Hollywood’s efforts to boost diversity within the Oscars, criticizing a series of planned reforms as “dictatorial” and “anti-artist.”
