DETROIT — During a newscast Thursday, May 7, WDIV Channel 4 news anchor Carmen Harlan apologized for marking controversial remarks about Arab Americans on the air. 

When asked about a possible, unauthenticated “ISIS threat in Michigan”, Harlan suggested that she was “not surprised, because Michigan has a very large Arab population.”

Harlan made the remarks on Wednesday, May 6 in a broadcast aired live on Channel 4 News.  

Harlan’s apology comes after ADC-Michigan Director Attorney Fatina Abdrabboh stressed concern about the far-reaching impact such comments can have on communities of Arabs and Muslims living in Michigan.

“This shocking lapse of professional conduct was directed against law-abiding citizens who strive to create vibrant, diverse communities wherever they live,” The ADC said in a press release. “Naturally, this type of analysis is very problematic for our community as we watch the impact of blanket indictments on the Arab-American and Muslim community that have nothing to do with the ISIS phenomenon at all. We hope this extremely insensitive, derogatory comment can be redacted and an immediate apology is in order. An apology that is at least as far reaching as her initial comments that cast doubt on Arab Americans living in metro Detroit.”

While apologizing in a 35 second video Harlan said, “As a journalist the words we choose are means of importing information and on occasion can be misunderstood. Following a story last night on ISIS threats in the United States, including Michigan I remarked metro Detroit has the largest Arab population out there outside the Middle East. In no way did I mean to imply that because of our community’s make-up there was a higher risk of ISIS threats. If a misunderstanding occurred, and it must have, that was never my intent. For that I apologize.” 

Progress Michigan applauded Harlan for apologizing. 

“Carmen Harlan did the right thing by apologizing for the remarks she made,” said Lonnie Scott, executive director of Progress Michigan. “As a respected journalist who has been a staple in Detroit, we believe Harlan meant no ill will in her comments; but they were still dangerous and needed to be addressed. We appreciate the swift and sincere apology Harlan offered.”

The National Network for Arab American Communities (NNAAC) also issued a statement asking Harlan to apologize. 

“Carmen Harlan’s comment about the Arab American community is appalling, offensive and dangerous,” said Nadia Tonova, director of NNAAC. “As a reporter, she has a responsibility to remain objective in her reporting and not draw conclusions for her audience. We request that WDIV immediately address this racially charged comment.”