Sean Hannity has a surprising reaction to MSNBC host's blog controversy

Fox News host Sean Hannity had a surprising reaction to the controversy around MSNBC host Joy Reid and her past blog posts - he says she deserves a second chance.

Here's Hannity's statement

The talk radio and cable news opinion host posted a statement about Reid on his website Friday after recent revelations from her controversial blog website surfaced.

"Over the last few days the conversation surrounding the comments made by TV personalities has dominated the news cycle," Hannity said in the statement. "We have covered them as well, going over previous tweets, statements and on air opinions. One of these individuals, MSNBC’s Joy Reid, has now apologized for her previous blogs and commentary."

Reid had first apologized when the posts were uncovered, then blamed a hacker, but recently apologized again without mentioning the dubious hacker when more posts were published.

"It’s good to see Joy (who is no fan of mine) starting to take responsibility for her past remarks," he continued. "My suggestion is that she follows up with the groups and people who she offended, and learn from all of this. Her apology should be accepted, and she should be given a chance to make it right, and not fired."

"We have all fallen short"

"Someone needs to take the lead in cable news and stop the 'crush, fire them, and destroy hosts you may disagree with' environment," Hannity added. "I guess as the number one rated host in cable, I’ll start."

"I am grateful for this microphone and the platform given to me everyday by my audience," he said. "I am a believer in the freedom of speech for all Americans. I am also a believer in second chances."

"And as someone who believes in forgiveness," he concluded, "I have to say, we have all fallen short."

Crush, fire and destroy

Hannity was referring to the campaign mounted by left-wing organizations to drive his advertisers away over various stories they painted as controversial. One such controversy exploded when Hannity pressed on with a false story about the death of DNC staffer Seth Rich - Fox News later retracted the story and the family has since sued the news network.

Here's the CNN news video about the story: