'Shark Tank' investor Kevin O'Leary called out for touching CNN panelist during fiery Elon Musk debate

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: A heated debate on 'CNN NewsNight' took an unexpected turn when 'Shark Tank' investor Kevin O’Leary was called out by fellow panelist Angela Rye for touching her during their argument over Elon Musk’s political donations.

The exchange happened as the two clashed over whether Musk’s financial contributions to GOP lawmakers, who support impeaching federal judges, crossed ethical or legal lines, NY Post reported.

Kevin O’Leary clashes with CNN panelist over Elon Musk’s donations

“You don’t have to touch me,” Rye, the former executive director of the Congressional Black Caucus, said during the discussion.

“I did that nicely,” O’Leary responded quietly.

Unimpressed, Rye shot back, “I don’t want you to touch me. That’s my personal space.”

O’Leary quickly conceded. “I won’t ever do it again.” 

Reports indicate that Musk has contributed the maximum permitted amount to multiple Republican lawmakers. During the discussion, host Abby Phillip posed the question of whether these contributions could be classified as lobbying.

An exasperated Rye pushed back, asserting that Musk’s financial support went beyond mere lobbying and crossed into illegal territory, as she and O’Leary talked over each other.

Rye argued, “He (Musk) literally says thank you to the members who introduce articles of impeachment. That is an exchange of value. That is a violation.”

O’Leary dismissed the concerns, countering with a sharp remark, “The oldest profession on Earth is not prostitution — it’s politicians raising money.”

He continued, “That has happened from the beginning of time. That’s going on forever, and will continue forever. This issue around judges, this is pure politics… No laws have been broken. You don’t like it? Too bad.”

According to The New York Times, Musk has donated $6,600, the legal maximum until recent changes, to seven Republican politicians who have advocated for impeaching judges who blocked Trump’s policies.

Several of Trump's initiatives, such as ending birthright citizenship, halting foreign aid, and prohibiting transgender individuals from serving in the military, have been temporarily halted by federal judges.

Internet divided as CNN panelist calls out Kevin O'Leary for physical contact

Online reactions were divided over the exchange between Kevin O'Leary and Angela Rye. Some mocked the situation, with one user writing, “Reminds me of long family car trips… Mom, he’s looking at me, Mom, she touched me!”

Others defended Musk, arguing, “Interesting that Elon broke no laws. Yet she is livid.”

One comment read, “Leftists can’t win a debate of ideas, so they resort to manufactured emotional outrage and bullying to get what they want.”

Meanwhile, another user said, “I didn’t realize CNN was still on the air.”

Another user wrote, "CNN will soon be nothing but a podcast. "

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