Fox News’ Sean Hannity and Juan Williams denied a report saying Hannity aimed a gun at Williams after a heated on-air discussion in the fall.
Three sources claimed to CNN Money Thursday, March 16, that after the TV personalities went off air, Hannity whipped out a firearm and turned on its laser sight, which landed on Williams. The insiders said, “Hannity was just showing off” but the action made Williams and on-set personnel concerned.
Colleagues reportedly told Fox News executives about the incident and it was sent to network co-president Bill Shine, who is a longtime friend of Hannity’s. A spokesperson for Fox News told CNN Money the legal and human resources departments took on the referral.
“The situation was thoroughly investigated and it was found that no one was put in any danger,” the spokesperson told the website in a statement.
Hannity clarified the October 2016 incident, saying he was only showing his “good friend” his gun, which he has been trained to handle since childhood.
“While discussing the issue of firearms, I showed my good friend Juan Williams my unloaded firearm in a professional and safe manner for educational purposes only,” Hannity said in a statement. “Every precautionary procedure that I have been trained in since the age of 11 was followed. I’ve had a conceal-carry permit in five states for all of my adult life. Any other interpretation of this is outright false reporting.”
Williams also spoke highly of his friendship with Hannity in his statement, which he also tweeted Thursday night.
“This incident is being sensationalized — everything was under total control throughout and I never felt like I was put in harm’s way,” Williams said. “It was clear that Sean put my safety and security above all else and we continue to be great friends.”
Hannity spent the night maintaining his statement after CNN Money reporter Dylan Byer said he stands by his article, which Hannity called “fake news.”
I stand by my reporting, Juan. Every word. 110%. https://t.co/vvYMdWCs4E https://t.co/Um7dZfIqnq
— Dylan Byers (@DylanByers) March 17, 2017
https://twitter.com/seanhannity/status/842567537070096384
I stand by my reporting, Sean. https://t.co/co72KuLxtx
— Dylan Byers (@DylanByers) March 17, 2017
https://twitter.com/seanhannity/status/842572280282697728
Hannity also defended himself against doubters in the early hours of Friday, March 17.
https://twitter.com/seanhannity/status/842588860521431042
https://twitter.com/seanhannity/status/842600728677908480
